The color green holds a unique and widespread significance in the world of football (or soccer as it is called in some parts of the world). It encompasses rich traditions, cultural symbolism, and team identities. Today, we’ll be taking a look at the best soccer teams that wear green jerseys.
From iconic club jerseys like Celtic’s green and white hoops to the vibrant green of national teams like Mexico and Nigeria, this color has become synonymous with the passion and pride of soccer.
However, it is worth noting that the color green is mostly paired up with white stripes or white shorts. It’s uncommon to see a soccer team play in an all-green jersey.
Let’s take a look at the 10 best soccer teams wearing green jerseys along with some honorable mentions at the end.
1. Celtic FC
Founded in 1887, Celtic FC is a Scottish soccer powerhouse based in Glasgow. The club’s green and white hoops jersey has been a constant presence since its early years.
Celtic’s green jersey is a symbol of tradition, resilience, and a deep-rooted connection with its passionate fanbase. The green jersey has evolved over time, starting off with white and green stripes and later turning into hoops.
From the early days of modest success to becoming the first British club to win the European Cup in 1967, the green jersey has been a witness to Celtic’s storied journey.
Celtic FC is one of the only five soccer clubs to have won more than 100 trophies. The club has won the Scottish League 53 times, the Scottish Cup 41 times and the Scottish League Cup 21 times.
2. Sporting Lisbon
Established in 1906, Sporting Lisbon is a Portuguese soccer institution known for its passion, talent development, and its distinctive green jersey. The club has earned the nickname “Verde e brancos (Green and whites)” because of its green and white shirt color.
Sporting Lisbon is most well-known in international soccer for its Youth Academy. It has produced some legends of the game like Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo.
Sporting Lisbon’s green jersey has been present in moments of triumph, witnessing league titles and domestic successes. It has also graced European competitions, contributing to the club’s legacy on an international stage.
Sporting is the third most decorated Portuguese football team with 19 League titles, 17 Taças de Portugal, a joint-record of 4 Campeonato de Portugal, 4 Taças da Liga, and 9 Supertaças Cândido de Oliveira. They also won the 1963–64 European Cup Winners’ Cup in Europe.
3. Saint-Etienne
Saint-Etienne secures its spot in our list of top soccer teams with green jerseys, boasting a rich history, distinctive style, and a vibrant soccer culture. The club is often referred to as “Les Verts” (The Greens) by fans and the soccer community.
Founded in 1919, AS Saint-Etienne has been a prominent force in French soccer. Green was the color of Groupe Casino, a grocery store in Saint-Etienne whose employees founded the club. Thus, green was adopted to be the primary color of the club and has since become an iconic representation of the team’s identity and its deep roots in the community.
Over the years, the simplicity and modernity of Saint-Etienne’s green kit have produced some of the coolest soccer jerseys.
Saint-Etienne’s golden years came in the 1960s and 70s with their teams consisting of legendary players like Michel Platini and Georges Bereta. They have won ten Ligue 1 titles, as well as six Coupe de France titles, a Coupe de la Ligue title and five Trophée des Champions.
4. Werder Bremen
Werder Bremen is the first of the two German clubs in our list of best soccer teams with green jerseys.
Established in 1899 in the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, Werder Bremen adopted the green and white color scheme early on. Due to the kit colors, the club is commonly known as “Die Grün-Weißen” (The Green-Whites).
Werder Bremen’s green jersey has been a witness to memorable moments, including several Bundesliga triumphs and DFB-Pokal victories. Werder have been German champions four times, have won the DFB-Pokal six times, the DFL-Ligapokal once, the DFL-Supercup thrice, and the European Cup Winners’ Cup once.
5. VfL Wolfsburg
Included in our list for its unique green jersey, VfL Wolfsburg was established in 1945 in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, and adopted green as its primary color.
Their colors were chosen because of the lack of resources available more than anything. The youth coach had ten green jerseys at his disposal, and white bedsheets were donated by the public to make the shorts. Thus, Wolfsburg’s iconic green and white jersey was born.
Wolfsburg’s green jersey has witnessed the club’s ascension to the pinnacle of German football, culminating in a historic Bundesliga title in the 2008-09 season. They’ve also won the DFB-Pokal in 2015 and the DFL-Supercup in 2015.
6. Real Betis
Real Betis is a Spanish soccer club based in Seville. The team is recognized for its vibrant green and white striped jersey, a distinctive and iconic kit that has become synonymous with the club’s identity.
Due to the iconic green and white kit, Real Betis has earned the nicknames “Los Verdiblancos” (The Green-and-Whites) and “Los Verderones” (The Greens).
Real Betis was founded in 1907, making it one of the oldest soccer clubs in Spain. Initially, the team played wearing blue jerseys. But one of the founders of the club, Manuel Ramos Asensio, was inspired by Celtic colors during his time in Scotland. The green and white also matched the Andalusian regional flag, and so were adopted as Real Betis’ primary colors.
“¡Viva el Betis manque (aunque) pierda!” meaning “Long live Betis even if they lose!” is a fitting motto for Real Betis given their turbulent history. Real Betis won the league title in 1935 and the Copa del Rey in 1977, 2005 and 2022. However, they’ve also suffered several relegations throughout their history.
7. Cameroon National Team
The Cameroon national team finds its rightful place on our list of the top soccer teams with green jerseys. The green uniforms of the Indomitable Lions represent courage and strength on the soccer field.
The team’s primary colors are inspired by the national flag of Cameroon – green shirts, red shorts and yellow socks.
Cameroon has played in the FIFA World Cup eight times, more than any other African team. They were the first African team to reach the quarter-final of the World Cup in 1990, losing to England in extra time.
The Cameroon national team has also won five Africa Cup of Nations.
8. Mexico National Team
The next entry on the list of the best soccer teams with green jerseys is the Mexican national team.
The Mexico national soccer team, also known as El Tri, embodies a rich soccer heritage that resonates globally. Their green attire, inspired by the flag of Mexico, represents a legacy of passion, skill, and unwavering support from a passionate fanbase.
Mexico’s green jersey has been witness to memorable moments on football’s biggest stages. They are historically the most successful national team in CONCACAF, having won twelve confederation titles, as well as two NAFC Championships, one North American Nations Cup, one CONCACAF Cup and two gold medals of the Central American and Caribbean Games.
Mexico has also qualified to seventeen World Cups and is one of the eight nations to win two of the three most important football tournaments (the World Cup, Confederations Cup, and Summer Olympics).
9. Nigeria National Team
The Nigeria national team earns its well-deserved place among the top soccer teams with green jerseys due to a combination of distinctive style, cultural significance, and impactful performances on the global stage.
Adorned in vibrant green attire, often embellished with bold patterns, the Super Eagles’ jersey is a visual feast that reflects the dynamism and diversity of Nigerian culture.
The team’s unique and flashy choices, have also garnered global admiration, making Nigeria a trendsetter in the world of soccer fashion.
Nigeria is one of the most successful African soccer teams, winning the Africa Cup of Nations three times. They were also named the World Team of the Year by World Soccer in 1996.
10. Republic of Ireland National Team
The Republic of Ireland national team claims the last spot in our list of best soccer teams with green jerseys. Donning the iconic green jersey, the Boys in Green not only embody the country’s rich heritage but also symbolize the resilience and determination that characterize Irish soccer.
The team enjoyed their most successful era under Jack Charlton (1986-1996), qualifying for their first European Championship in 1988. They also reached the quarter-finals of the 1990 FIFA World Cup (their debut in the competition) and the last 16 in 1994.
Other Soccer Teams with Green Jerseys
- Panathinaikos
- Lokomotiv Moscow
- Ludogorets Razgrad
- Palmeiras
- Sassuolo
- Northern Ireland
- America Mineiro
- Atletico Nacional
- Avellino
- Bolivia
- Brocton
- Club Leon
- Groningen
- Forest Green Rovers
- Hibernian
- Lancaster Rovers
- Lechia Gdansk
- Plymouth Argyle
- Shamrock Rovers
- The New Saints
- Yeovil Town
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 Red Jerseys
- Soccer Teams with Yellow Jerseys
- Soccer Teams with White Jerseys
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