In this article, we’re exploring 10 of the best soccer teams that wear vibrant red jerseys.
Red jerseys on the soccer field symbolize power, passion, and a tradition of excellence. From the legendary theatrics of Manchester United to the rhythmic grace of Spain’s national team, each red-clad team tells a story of triumph, legacy, and unwavering passion.
We’ll be looking at the best teams that wear red soccer jerseys, the story behind their red colors, and the team’s major achievements. Let’s get started with our list!
1. Manchester United
Manchester United secures its place on our list not just for its unparalleled success on the pitch but also for the unbeatable spirit that encapsulates its red-clad legacy. A symbol of resilience, dominance, and unyielding passion, Manchester United’s red jersey has become synonymous with soccer excellence.
Founded in 1878, Manchester United’s journey to becoming one of the most beloved clubs globally has been nothing short of remarkable. The club did not adopt its red colors until 1902, before which the jersey was yellow and green (a color combination you can still see at Old Trafford).
Manchester United boasts a record number of 20 English league titles and 3 UEFA Champions League trophies. They also have a plethora of domestic cup victories, including numerous FA Cups and EFL Cups.
2. Liverpool FC
Liverpool earns the second spot in our list of the best soccer teams that wear red jerseys.
It was founded in 1892 in the city of Liverpool. Until 1896 Liverpool’s team played wearing blue and white quartered shirts. The team adopted red, the color of the city of Liverpool, as its primary colors in 1896.
Liverpool’s era of dominance came in the 70s and 80s when they dominated the English league and European competitions. Since the 90s, the club saw a downturn in its fortunes until the recent arrival of its new manager Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool has won 19 English league titles, and is the most successful English team in Europe with 6 Champions League trophies.
3. Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich is a symbol of German excellence in its red attire. Founded in 1900, Bayern Munich’s journey to prominence gained momentum in the latter half of the 20th century.
The Bayern team wore white and maroon home kits for most of its history until 1968. Bayern Munich changed to an all-red jersey in 1974 which also aligned with the club’s rise and dominance in world soccer.
The red-clad Bavarians, under the guidance of luminaries like Franz Beckenbauer and Jupp Heynckes, have left their marks on the sport.
Bayern Munich is the most successful German club with a record 33 Bundesliga titles along with a German record 6 UEFA Champions League titles.
4. AC Milan
AC Milan, a club based in Milan, is synonymous with Italian soccer excellence. The majestic legacy and the undeniable charisma of the Rossoneri in their iconic red and black stripes meant they had to be included in our list.
Founded in 1899, AC Milan’s journey to greatness was made more prominent by the adoption of the iconic red and black stripes in the early 20th century. This distinctive choice reflected the club’s ambition to stand out and dominate the Italian soccer landscape.
The Rossoneri’s legacy reached its pinnacle in the late 20th century, with the legendary squad led by Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini, and Marco van Basten. Their stylish brand of soccer, complemented by the elegance of the red and black attire, became synonymous with success.
AC Milan has won 19 Serie A titles, making it the second-most successful team in Italy. The club is also the second-most successful team in Europe with 7 UEFA Champions League trophies.
5. Arsenal FC
As one of the oldest and most successful clubs in England, Arsenal FC is a symbol of English soccer heritage. Arsenal’s red jersey perfectly encapsulates the spirit of North London’s finest and the club’s timeless allure.
Arsenal was founded in 1886, and their red color comes as an inspiration from Nottingham Forest colors. Throughout the years, the jersey’s red color has gone through minor changes, from maroon to bright red in the Herbert Chapman era. However, the red has always been a constant.
The red and white colors of the Gunners have witnessed historic moments like the 2004 Invincibles season under Arsène Wenger and legendary players like Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp.
Arsenal hold the record for most consecutive seasons in the English top division, never being relegated since 1913. They have won 13 English Premier League titles, and a record 14 FA Cups.
6. AFC Ajax
Ajax earns its place in our top 10 list of best soccer teams with red jerseys for its mesmerizing presence in its iconic red and white jerseys. Based in Amsterdam, AFC Ajax is a powerhouse of Dutch soccer.
Ajax was founded in 1900 and has since become the biggest club in the Netherlands. The team played in a black kit with a red sash around the waist in the early years. But the jersey color was soon replaced to the red and white that we know today. It was based on the three colours of the flag of Amsterdam – red, black and white.
Under the guidance of Rinus Michels and Johan Cruyff, Ajax conquered Europe in the 1970s through the use of Total Football philosophy.
Ajax is the most successful club in the Netherlands, with 36 Eredivisie titles and 20 KNVB Cups. They’ve also won the UEFA Champions League 4 times, and are only one of the five teams that have earned the right to keep the European Cup and to wear a multiple-winner badge.
7. SL Benfica
Benfica is a soccer club based in Lisbon, Portugal that plays in a red jersey. The club has one of the most fascinating histories in soccer since its foundation in 1904.
José da Cruz Viegas, a right back at Benfica, was responsible for suggesting a red jersey for the club in 1904. Ever since then, the team has taken to the soccer pitch in red colors.
The red-clad Eagles achieved unprecedented success in the 1960s, with two consecutive European Cup victories under the management of Béla Guttmann. Their red jersey became a symbol of European glory and domestic dominance.
With 86 major trophies won, Benfica is the most decorated club in Portugal. They have won a record 38 Primeira Liga titles, a record 26 Taça de Portugal, a record 7 Taça da Liga, 9 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira and 3 Campeonato de Portugal. They’ve also won back-to-back European Cups in 1961 and 1962.
8. Spain National Team
The Spain National Team secures its place among the elite for its remarkable success and the fiery spirit of La Furia Roja (The Red Fury) in their iconic red jerseys.
Spain’s national football team, La Roja, adopted the red jersey early in its history, symbolizing the passion and intensity that would come to define their style of play.
The pinnacle was reached in the late 2000s with back-to-back European Championship victories in 2008 and 2012, and the crowning glory of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The red jersey became synonymous with the tiki-taka style and a commitment to beautiful, possession-based football.
9. Portugal National Team
The Portugal national team wears a red jersey with a green trim, reflecting the colors of the nation’s flag. The team has seen some legendary soccer talents over the years like Cristiano Ronaldo, Figo, and Eusebio.
The crowning moment arrived with Portugal’s triumph in the 2016 UEFA European Championship, where the team in red showed their grit and togetherness to win their first major trophy.
10. Belgium National Team
The Belgium national team is the final entry in our list of the best soccer teams with red jerseys. Their iconic red jersey has earned them the nickname “The Red Devils”.
Belgium’s National Team adopted the red jersey as a symbol of national pride, taking from the colors of the national flag.
The modern era, led by stars like Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne, has seen Belgium’s National Team achieve historic successes, including a third-place finish in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. They also have a gold medal to their name, which they won at the 1920 Olympics.
Honorable Mentions
- Nottingham Forest
- Red Star Belgrade
- Spartak Moscow
- Olympiacos
- PSV Eindhoven
- Sport Club Internacional
- Club Atletico Independiente
- Club Atletico River Plate
- Clube De Regatos Do Flamengo
- Wisla Krakow
- Sparta Prague
- Middlesbrough
- Egypt National Team
- Chile National Team
Thank You For Reading
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Other Soccer Jersey Colors:
- Soccer Teams with Orange Jerseys
- Soccer Teams with Blue Jerseys
- Soccer Teams with Black Jerseys
- Soccer Teams with Green Jerseys
- Soccer Teams with Yellow Jerseys
- Soccer Teams with White Jerseys
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