Since the introduction of the UEFA Champions League in 1992, sleeve badges of participating clubs have become a permanent fixture on the shirts. These badges have evolved considerably over the years. In this blog post, we'll take a look at the evolution of the Champions League badges.
1992 The first Champions League patch
The first Champions League patch was quite simple in design: a rectangular shape with the Champions League logo inside. The following season (93/94), the patch was slightly modified. UEFA was added to the patch, and it became square. The following season (94/95), the patch was modified again. Instead of a square, the patch became a star-shaped badge.
1995 Introduction of the starball
The new patch, the so-called starball, was introduced at the 1995 Champions League final (Ajax vs. AC Milan, 1-0). It was the first time the design featured just a ball. This patch was also used during the 1995/96 season.
1996-2003 More Modern
The Champions League patch was modernized starting with the new 1996 season. The patch received a more modern look. The shapes in the patch became more streamlined, and it was given a gloss. During the 2000/01 season, the badge underwent a one-off change, receiving a slightly darker look. After that season, the previous design was reverted.
2003-2007 New adjustments
The patch was updated again in 2003. This version was used until 2007. It is more streamlined than its predecessors. Some of the stars were also updated with white lines.
2007-2008 One-off
The 2007/08 season featured a unique badge that was used for only one year. The details in the stars were again modified. This patch marked the transition to the patch we know today.
2008 - Iconic
The patch was modified in 2008 to include bright Champions League balls in the background. This variation was used unchanged until 2021.
Multiple Winner Patch
In 2000, UEFA introduced an additional badge for clubs with an exceptional record in the tournament: the Multiple Winners badge, also known as the Patch of Honour. The patch is worn on the left sleeve and is only for clubs that:
- Have won the Champions League or European Cup 1 at least 5 times, or
- Having won the tournament 3 times in a row.
These clubs are allowed to wear the Multiple Winners Badge:
- Real Madrid, 15 titles
- AC Milan, 7 titles
- Bayern Munich, 6 titles
- Liverpool, 6 titles
- Barcelona, 5 titles
- Ajax, 4 titles, 3 in a row (1971 to 1973)
2021 - Victories
Starting in the 2021/22 season, the Multiple Winners badge has been replaced by the number of Champions League victories displayed on the badge. Clubs that wear the Multiple Winners badge now display a number on the current badge. For example, Ajax now has a 4 on its badge.
Winners Patch
The reigning Champions League champion plays with the special Winners patch.
Patch of Respect
Since 2008, clubs also wear the Respect patch.
Finally
Champions League patches have become iconic symbols on football shirt sleeves. They're incredibly popular with collectors, as they add an extra touch of history to a football shirt. Do you prefer a shirt with or without Champions League patch?
