From Black and Red to Red and White: A Look at the History of AFC Ajax's Iconic Kit
Thu, Mar 30.23
The red and white kit of AFC Ajax is one of the most iconic football kits in the world, and is instantly recognizable to football fans everywhere. But how did this famous kit come to be? In this piece, we'll take a look at the history of the Ajax red and white kit, from its origins to the present day.
The earliest known Ajax kit was all-black with a red sash tied around the players waists. Not long after their inception, Ajax changed to a red/white striped shirt with black shorts. This colour combination was a nod to the flag of Amsterdam.
In 1911 Ajax then made it to the top flight of Dutch football for the first time. Back then the top division was called the Eerste Klasse or 'First Class', which is now known as the Eredivisie. Ajax encountered a big problem when they made it to the top; and that problem was Sparta Rotterdam. Sparta had an almost identical home jersey of red/white stripes, which they still wear in present day.
Because there was no away kits back then, Ajax had to reinvent their home kit. They chose to change their shorts from black to white, and also opted for a white shirt with a broad, vertical, red stripe over the chest and back.
The Ajax red and white kit has become an integral part of the club's identity, and is a symbol of the team's success and tradition. It has been worn by some of the greatest players in football history, including Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten, Dennis Bergkamp, Clarence Seedorf, Luis Suarez - the list goes on. It has also been seen on the world stage, as Ajax has won five European Cups/Champions Leagues and several other trophies.
In recent years, Ajax has paid tribute to its rich history and the football culture in Amsterdam in style. They've done this by incorporating subtle nods to their illustrious past and linking up with local brands. For the 21/22 home kit Ajax threw it back to 1991, with their previous historical club logo used as a one-off tribute to the fans.
For the 21/22 third kit Ajax delivered an outstanding design which was inspired by Bob Marley's 'Three Little Birds' song. A song which is the clubs unofficial anthem after fans heard it playing in the stadium after an away day back in 2008, signing in the stands ever since. It remains the fastest jersey sellthrough time we've ever had at Ultra Football.
The current season Ajax 22/23 third kit is another favourite, inspired by the city and made in conjunction with Amsterdam fashion brand Daily Paper. The design is connected by a vertical stripe in the colours of the city's flag, those same colours the original Ajax kit showcased. A closer look at the design shows silhouettes of its famous street courts. Courts were some of the next generation of Oranje superstars will no doubt learn their craft.
The Ajax home kit is more than just a football kit. To fans it is a symbol of tradition, success, and identity. It has stood the test of time, and remains one of the most recognizable and beloved football kits in the world.
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