Best Football Logos in the UK
Ask any football fan, and they’ll probably tell you that their favourite logo in the sport is the one worn by the club they support. The best logos and badges form a huge part of the connection between club and supporter. They’re worn on shirts, printed on posters and flags, and even tattooed on fans, and are an invaluable aspect of a supporter’s relationship and bond with their club.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace boast one of the smartest badges in the Premier League. The Eagles, known as such due to the eagle that’s been the focal point of their logo since 1973, were inspired by the similarly avian logo of Portuguese giants Benfica.
They’ve updated the badge a handful of times over the years to keep it looking fresh, but it’s arguably in the best shape it’s been in right now. It makes expert use of the club’s red and blue colours with a cool blue eagle, a red football, and smart lettering on a ribbon that makes use of both colours.
Newcastle United
Newcastle United’s logo incorporates seahorses, a symbol of the city, also appearing on the city’s coat of arms, and serves as a reminder that Newcastle is a port city on the coast.
There’s a castle, too, to represent the city’s keep, and lots of gold and grey to give a timeless, almost regal feel. With football such a global sport, and the club owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, their badge is a real connection to the team’s local heritage.
Arsenal
Arsenal’s current crest has been used since 2002, and is one of the most recognisable around – it’s seen them become the only team to go unbeaten in the Premier League for an entire season and it’s been sported by stars including Thierry Henry, Mesut Ozil and Bukayo Saka over the past couple of decades.
It’s not too complex – and was even criticised for not being traditional enough when it was announced – but features Arsenal’s famous cannon, the bright red of the club’s colours, and a white scroll at the top with the club’s name in bold, golden letters.
Birmingham City
This instantly recognisable logo can divide opinion, but this Birmingham supporter feels it warrants inclusion for its originality. Like the Forest logo, it was a competition winner in the 1970s, but this one opts for a line-drawn globe, which sits on top of a football.
A classy blue ribbon runs in a zig-zag over the two circles, giving the name of the club and the year it was founded in smart block capitals. In an era of roundel logos and increased simplification, football fans can instantly tell this logo by even just the silhouette.
Salford City
Salford City changed its logo in 2014, the same year it was taken over by a group of former Manchester United players. It’s not too unlike Wolves’, except it features a lion rather than a fox. Whereas the logo used to feature a more traditional rampant lion, the lion in the current logo is facing forward and much more minimalist – but extremely eye-catching.
The lion’s white face is surrounded by a black mane, which in turn is surrounded by a hexagonal red border. The shape is said to replicate the shape of the hull of the ships in Salford’s docks, too, so there’s a nod to the location and its history.
Wrexham
Wrexham might play in the English league system, but the city is located over the border in Wales, and for the 1973-74 season the club changed their badge to one that really reflects their Welsh roots.
There are three feathers at the top of the badge and two red dragons – the national symbol of Wales – facing inwards at each other closer to the logo’s centre. The top of the badge is green while the bottom is white, combining with the red dragon to incorporate all of the Welsh national colours. It’s one of the more classic-looking badges still in use, but it works really well.
Barrow
Barrow are another team to keep a traditional logo, and theirs is based on the coat of arms of Barrow-in-Furness. At the top is a submarine – the town has launched submarines for the Royal Navy since 1901 – while just under is an arrow with a bee on it (get it?) for a fun play on words.
Opposite is a red rose, symbolising Barrow’s historic place in Lancashire, as well as a football. The colours of blue and white have been used by the club for over a century, so it’s only fitting that they’d play a focal role in the logo too. There’s quite a lot going on here, but it’s effective in the way it comes together.
Conclusion
The best football logos are a vital part of a team’s identity and a crucial aspect of the bond between the club and its supporters. From the traditional and classic to the modern and innovative, each logo has its own unique charm and character, reflecting the history, values, and spirit of the club.
FAQs
Q: What makes a great football logo?
A: A great football logo is one that is both unique and memorable, reflecting the history, values, and spirit of the club. It should be easy to recognize and identify, and evoke a sense of pride and belonging among fans.
Q: What are the most important factors in designing a football logo?
A: The most important factors in designing a football logo are its ability to reflect the club’s history, values, and spirit, as well as its ability to be easily recognizable and memorable. A good logo should also be simple, yet distinctive, and should incorporate the club’s colours and any relevant symbols or motifs.
Q: How do football logos impact the fan experience?
A: Football logos have a significant impact on the fan experience, serving as a symbol of pride and identity for supporters. They are often worn on shirts, printed on posters and flags, and even tattooed on fans, and help to create a sense of community and belonging among fans.
