In recent years, many clubs have chosen to delve into their archives and revive iconic shirt designs from previous eras. These comeback jerseys pay homage to the glory days of the past and bring a sense of nostalgia to new and old fans alike. By combining retro elements with modern technologies, the clubs create designs that honor their history, but are also adapted to today's players and trends. Here are five clubs that have brought back the retro look in style.
- Juventus - 2020/21 season
Juventus have long been known for their classic black and white stripes and for the 2020/21 season they returned to this timeless design after a few seasons with more experimental kits. With a modern interpretation of the iconic stripes and gold details, which symbolize the club's great successes, the shirt combined both tradition and innovation. Worn by stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala, the shirt quickly became a favorite among fans and fashion-conscious alike.
- Arsenal – 2019/20 season
Arsenal returned to a classic design in 2019/20 with their home shirt, which drew on the club's iconic red and white colours, combined with Adidas' retro-inspired details. Inspired by the shirts of the 80s and 90s, this shirt brought back memories of the club's glory days. The minimalist design with angular stripes on the sleeves made the shirt both modern and nostalgic, and it quickly became a bestseller among fans.
- Manchester United – 2019/20 season
Manchester United have also embraced the retro style in several of their recent shirts. In the 2019/20 season, the club brought a shirt that paid tribute to their famous victory in the 1999 Champions League final. The shirt featured subtle references to the iconic match with details marking the club's greatest moments. The classic red design with black details and a stylish V pattern was both a tribute to the past and a modern classic.
- Inter Milan – 2021/22 season
In the 2021/22 season, Inter Milan introduced a comeback shirt inspired by their famous blue-black stripes. But instead of the traditional straight lines, they opted for a more abstract design reminiscent of snake scales – a reference to the club's logo and to the snake often associated with the city of Milan. This design drew on the classics of yesteryear, but with an innovative twist that made the jersey a fashion icon both on and off the pitch.
- Ajax – 2021/22 season
Ajax are known for their clean, minimalist designs, and for the 2021/22 season they brought back a special away shirt inspired by the club's heyday in the 70s. This shirt paid tribute to the club's success with Johan Cruyff at the helm and was characterized by retro details and a simple color palette that gave the shirt a timeless elegance. With Adidas as the manufacturer and a classic design in dark blue with golden details, this shirt quickly became a fan favorite.
These clubs have all managed to bring the best of the past into today's game. Through these comeback shirts, they pay tribute to their history while continuing to look forward – giving fans a nostalgic look back at the club's greatest moments. The retro look shows that some things never go out of style, especially when combined with modern flair and technology.
