The Man City shirt is known all around the globe, probably more than any other football shirt. It started as a humble kit, and it is now an iconic piece. When you think of Manchester City you think of sky blue. This article gets into how this club managed to become one of the most popular ones in the world. Their kit is respected and recognised, and that is no small thing. We will be Dr. Frankenstein and look at the science behind this eerie concept.
The Man City Shirt Starts Locally
For many decades, the sky-blue colour of the Man City shirt was a direct representation of the working class. Manchester City adopted this colour in 1894, along with white. This colour combination can also be seen in their crest. They have since won a lot of awards, and have become one of the most loved football clubs. They were always a strong club, but it appears that they became even stronger in the early 2000s. In 2008, the club was bought by the Abu Dhabi Group, and a transformation closely followed this event. The kit started evolving almost overnight.
It was seen on all continents, and fans were loving it. Each season’s release was an important moment for the club and the fans. It was clear that the atmosphere shifted. They were no longer a local club, being cheered for by friends and family. They were now an international hit, you could even call the club the Michael Jackson of football. They were a symbol of progress and hard work. But don’t worry, the local fans didn’t get scared. They stuck like glue and continued to cheer for their club.
What About Design and Identity?
The design and identity of the Man City shirt is what makes it so loved internationally. While the blue mainly remained untouched, there were some changes in the texture and trim of the Man City shirt. All of the changes that were made had the goal to make the shirt more premium. The club has been working with Puma since 2019 and you can see how modern and traditional meet in each design. They try different colour accents and details, while still keeping the sky blue colour present. The minimalist aesthetic is still present and fans are here for it.
They mix it up more with the away kits, but keep the home kits as close to home as possible. The goal is to create shirts that represent something for the club, look good on the field, but can also be worn by the fans. Sportswear is a big part of streetwear, and football kits fit right in. For example, the 25/26 Man City shirt is the classic blue sky colour, accompanied by white shorts and sky blue socks. Some white stripes, in a faded kind of design, are on the front of the shirt. The puma logo can be, obviously, found on the shirt and the socks.
Success and Perception
The shirt’s popularity is also identified by the success the team has on the field. With players like Erling Haaland and managers like Pep Guardiola, the kit is only becoming more popular with each passing day. The team won titles like the Premier League, FA Cup and the Champions League. With each new trophy, the shirt carries more history and importance. Think of it like this: even if you don’t like a movie, if it wins an Oscar, it means that it is pretty good. The fact that the club keeps winning shows that they actually know what they’re doing.
The success makes the shirt a representation of something stronger than football. Because football is about happiness and connection. You can enjoy an ecstatic moment with people you have never met before. Imagine how connected the people in Manchester feel to the sky blue colour, the team and the game. We are talking about a city that changed the world of football. The influence that this club has on the world can only be measured by how loud the screams of fans are at games. And, of course, by the sea of people dressed in blue.
Inspiration for Those to Come
Every new generation of players, fans, managers and brands, needs inspiration. A young player could find inspiration in the story of a player that they love. Fans can be inspired by the work player put into their craft, and will start doing the same for themselves. A manager wants to see how others handled the whole thing. And, well, a brand will always take inspiration from past designs. No matter how much humans seem to want to evolve, or even go to other planets, we are still connected to the past.
This article on Medium talks about the importance of inspiration and where we find it. Inspiration is all around you, especially when you are passionate about something. There are so many things related to football that could inspire you. From the story of a club, to the emotion you feel when watching a game. Whatever will happen in football from now on, we will have to look back at Man City and their iconic shirt and just bow. They are pioneers, and that shade of blue will always be theirs and the sky’s. You already feel inspired, right?
Conclusion
The Man City shirt has become a legend for many reasons. The first one is its history and the love the locals have for it. The design and identity of the shirt come in second place. The club managed to completely seize the colour of the sky. Their success, their iconic players and capable managers add some additional weight to the shirt. And last but not least, the fact that it will inspire the generations to come. This shirt is recognised anywhere in the world, by children and elders and by fans and haters alike. It is safe to say that it is an international star.