A football club’s kit is one of the most recognisable aspects of their brand. Colours and designs become synonymous with the squad. For Chelsea, the blue kit that the players wear has been a major part of their identity for decades.
Chelsea’s current history took a significant upward turn when Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich purchased the club in the summer of 2003.
A previously unseen spending spree and subsequent success quickly followed, placing the Blues amongst the Premier League and European elite.
One feature that has not changed for over a century, however, is their iconic kit.
We take a look at the history and origins behind the famous Chelsea colours.
FORMATION
Officially founded on March 10th 1905 in London at the Rising Sun Pub, owners Henry “Gus” Mears and Joseph Mears had aspirations of turning their local area into one of the leading football grounds in England.
After purchasing the Stamford Bridge Athletics Ground in 1904, the Mears brothers quickly looked to bring quality football and stage high-profile matches.
After reaching out to Fulham FC about relocating to the stadium and the offer being turned down, a new club was founded.
Named for the London borough, Chelsea FC were born.
Gus Mears chose the team’s kit as a nod of recognition to Lord Chelsea and his famous racing colours.
Blue shirts, blue socks and white shorts have been a staple of the club ever since.
At times using a lighter shade of blue, the current Chelsea colours have almost always been a constant.
Chelsea’s owners immediately looked to make a statement throughout the Football League and were intent on bringing in the biggest names and hosting the biggest matches.
The club signed players from Manchester City and Birmingham City (then known as Small Heath) to ensure a quality side right from the beginning.
While success did not immediately follow, Chelsea’s squads were always competitive.
The club’s crest has seen some changes over the past decades. The lion that appears now was first introduced in the 1950’s and has appeared significantly in one form or another.
Since the club’s centenary anniversary in 2005, Chelsea and Abramovich adopted the crest that is used currently.
PRESENT DAY
The takeover of Abramovich and the appointment of manager Jose Mourinho ushered in many of the recent triumphs that supporters and fans have seen from Chelsea.
Four Premier League titles, three FA Cups, three League Cups, one Champions League and one Europa League are just some of the impressive success that has taken place since Abramovich purchased the club.
The famous blue kits have been at the centre of this success as well. Rivalries with Premier League sides like Manchester United and Liverpool have extended from England to Europe and worldwide as the clubs have grown as both football teams and global brands.
Football fans around the world recognise the red versus the blue in these encounters, and that has become one of the pleasing aesthetics in the English Premier League.
Chelsea is one of the largest and most valuable clubs in world football. As the time changes and elements around them become different, one key component that stays the same is their famous blue shirt.
