PSG Jersey History & Timeline
Tue, Dec 13.22
As we all know, Paris is one of the world's fashion capitals, famed for its flair, culture, and romance.
As timeless as the Paris Saint-Germain jersey designs themselves are, they were frequently accompanied by timeless sponsors, resulting in legendary outfits that fully represented the eras in which they were played.
As a team synonymous with glitz and style, its red, white, and blue colours symbolize the colours of the French revolution, uniting the old France with the new France. The classic jersey pattern was inspired by vehicle racing stripes when it was first introduced in 1973. Since then, the design has been reinterpreted and re-styled in a variety of interpretations, each expanding on the original.
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As timeless as the Paris Saint-Germain jersey designs themselves are, they were frequently accompanied by timeless sponsors, resulting in legendary outfits that fully represented the eras in which they were played.
As a team synonymous with glitz and style, its red, white, and blue colours symbolize the colours of the French revolution, uniting the old France with the new France. The classic jersey pattern was inspired by vehicle racing stripes when it was first introduced in 1973. Since then, the design has been reinterpreted and re-styled in a variety of interpretations, each expanding on the original.
1986/87
The 86/87 Adidas white home jersey is famous for its retro appearance, with the television media company Canal+ sponsoring the kit and adding a splash of colour to the core design.
The club's 16th birthday was commemorated in 86, when Paris Saint-Germain won its first league title. Gerard Houllier's coaching and guidance led Luis Fernandez, Jol Bats, and Safet Susic to the top of the league for the first time in French football history. The Parisians went 26 games without losing, a prize that simply could not be challenged during their campaign.
1987/88
Despite PSG's efforts to replicate its championship-winning team from the previous season by wearing identical home and away jerseys, the team began to unravel in the 87/88 season when Dominique Rocheteau departed the club.
World-class midfielders Gabriel Calderon and Ray Wilkins joined but failed to turn the tide. Following a sequence of seven defeats in eight games, coach Gerard Houllier stepped back, enabling Erick Mombaerts to take over. However, PSG finished the season in the relegation zone, requiring Houllier's return. Despite a dismal season, Daniel Zuereb scored the game's only goal in an away encounter against Le Havre on the penultimate matchday, resulting in a dramatic 15th place finish.
1988/89
The 88/89 jersey is very similar to last season's, with the sole difference being the change in sponsor from Canal+ to La Cinq. The away jersey was more imaginative than in previous years, departing from the classic PSG appearance and opting for a brilliant blue shirt with white adidas stripes down the sleeves.
PSG fought for the championship against Marseille in the 88/89 season. The season was determined in the last game between PSG and Marseille. With a few seconds remaining and the score locked at 0-0, a 25-yard strike from Marseille stunned the keeper, giving Marseille the clinching victory.
1989/90
During the pre-season, PSG signed an agreement with Nike as their new shirt manufacturer and despite finishing fifth in the league and a bittersweet ending to the UEFA Cup, the excitement of Nike pushed the team to keep moving forward.
Daniel Bravo, who played a key role at the club throughout the 90s, joined the club this year, whereas in contrast, after 14 years and 435 appearances, Jean-Marc Pilorget said his last farewell to the club in the first ever Nike jersey.
🔙👕
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) July 5, 2019
Today we celebrate 3️⃣0️⃣ years of shared history with @nikefootball ✊
July 5, 1989 ➡️ July 5, 2019 ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/tu8vSt9ic3
1990/91
Nike's partnership with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is regarded as one of the most durable in world football.
Beginning their collaboration in the 89/90 season, Nike PSG released their second home shirt in the 90/91 season, with a distinct idea of a white base. Despite the fact that the Jumpman, rather than the Eiffel Tower, appears on several PSG-Jordan memorabilia, the second Nike PSG home kit couldn't stand being accused of neglecting it, given its significance in Paris.
Even though PSG finished ninth in the league in 90/91, things improved as the decade progressed, with Nike providing encouragement.
1991/92
The 91/92 jersey was vivid when PSG finished third in Ligue 1, allowing them to qualify for the UEFA Cup first round the following season. During the year, the French television network Canal+ altered PSG after taking over the club, rejuvenating it with fresh funds and starting on a spending spree to acquire new players, notably Brazilian internationals Ricardo and Valdo.
Nice kit for PSG (1991-92) pic.twitter.com/LEMvpFzD1S
— Old School Panini (@OldSchoolPanini) May 30, 2016
1992/93
Nike was constantly upgrading, presenting the Parisians with two distinct jerseys. The most admired detail is the one concerning the sleeves.
The 92/93 season also saw the birth of Le Classique, the rivalry between Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique de Marseille for the French Division 1 title. Three days after winning the 92/93 UEFA Champions League, league leaders Marseille hosted their closest challengers, PSG, in a match to determine the championship. Marseille was found guilty of 'match fixing' after winning their sixth consecutive title, becoming the French football bribery scandal. Of course, Marseille was stripped of the championship, which was awarded to PSG, who declined it out of respect.
During the 90s, the Parisians won nine titles and advanced to five successive European semi-finals.
Paris Saint Germain 1992/93.
— Olympia (@olympia_vintage) February 14, 2018
Fournier, Sassus, Ricardo Gomes, Le Guen, Lama, Roche.
Weah, Ginola, Colleter, Guérin, Valdo#PSG pic.twitter.com/DwYdyPSBPl
1993/94
In the early 90s, a breakthrough design saw a departure from the club's customary image of white home strips. Players like Ginola, Weah, Lama, and Bravo won the French league for the second time in the jersey, which was joined with the traditional Commodore Tourtel sponsor to create a design that was so distinctive and retro looking.
Rai, Brazilian footballer, joined the team in 93 after beginning his career at PSG and eventually becoming their greatest ever player. In his first year, he helped them win their second league title; the season was exceptional, as they went 27 games without losing, breaking a record, and earned their largest ever victory, a 10-0 triumph in a France Cup match.
1994/95
This jersey was all about the collar, with the brilliant royal blue and red colour scheme making it more famous, especially with the squad winning the Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue double in it. The away jersey, which replaced the blue with white, produced a synergy between the pair.
1995/96
The renowned Opel sponsor was introduced in the 95/96 season, and it remained an iconic component of the PSG shirts for the rest of the decade. The team's victory on the field, this time in the Cup Winner's Cup, made this jersey even more meaningful and unforgettable for supporters.
1996/97
PSG has worked with American manufacturer Nike since 1989, and in the 96/97 season, like Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, and PSV, they adopted a collar design into their style.
Rai, a renowned PSG icon, captained the team to runners-up in the Cup Winners Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and Ligue 1, with ex-player Ricardo taking over as manager for the season.
1997/98
The 97/98 home jersey was worn when the team won the Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue, qualifying for the UEFA Cup Winner's Cup final season.
In the Coupe de la Ligue, PSG faced FC Girondins de Bordeaux, who grabbed the lead after 30 minutes. PSG didn't answer until the 80th minute, pushing the game into overtime. Rai scored again in a cup final in the 106th minute, but his goal was cancelled out by Jean-Pierre Papin in the 114th minute, bringing the game to penalties. The PSG players took the hard-earned victory despite Gralak and Papin missing penalties, as PSG stood strong under pressure.
PSG, 1997/98. pic.twitter.com/6HYHAlIjTN
— 90s Football (@90sfootball) May 7, 2020
1998/99
The vibrant blue, rather than navy which we see in the later years, is a base for the PSG home jersey in the 98/99 season, when they finished four points above relegation. It was not an easy time for the club, but they persevered to become the powerhouse they are today.
1999/00
The 99/00 season was another of runners-up, although attendance increased to a record of 43,000 per match.
Few clubs can pull off a gorgeous silver jersey, but PSG did so gracefully with their away uniform. This away strip was a fan favourite, and its appearance by Jay-Jay Okocha and Nicholas Anelka promoted a jersey that would be reproduced the following season.
2000/01
PSG participated in the Champions League, reaching the second group stage, however due to a disastrous domestic season, the team changed managers throughout the season, with Luis Fernandez replacing Philippe Bergeroo. This year's jersey was one of the least popular, reflected by their ninth-place finish in the league.
2001/02
The roster from the 01/02 season is a wonderful example of talented teams failing to produce on the field, with the squad underachieving and finishing fourth in Ligue 1 and leaving the UEFA Cup prematurely.
Despite this, Ronaldinho arrived for the season and scored 13 goals in all competitions. Wearing shirt number 21 at the time, this is a shirt and jersey that every collector should have.
Mikel Arteta and Ronaldinho playing for PSG in 2001/02. pic.twitter.com/9EVzIVWdks
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) December 1, 2020
2002/03
Despite a dismal league finish and a decline in attendance, the home strip guaranteed that players looked sleek and elegant on the field.
Four years after the French national team was crowned global champions on home soil, a Parisian - Brazilian Ronaldinho - was named world champion in the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The Paris number ten appeared in five games and scored twice.
2003/04
The Parisians won the Coupe de France and finished second in Ligue 1 in 03/04, with top scorer Pauleta scoring 23 goals in all competitions. The season saw a memorable 6-1 victory over Montpellier.
The trendy and distinctive strip resulted in an away jersey that is a fan favourite, featuring the three colours with a white foundation, red sleeves, and blue trimming.
2004/05
To be honest, PSG never seemed like they were going to replicate their winning form from last season after their first Champions League loss to Chelsea and their terrible domestic showing. Going into the last round of Champions League group stage games, the squad had a chance of advancing, but were knocked out by PFC CSKA Moskva, forcing PSG to be eliminated from Europe.
2005/06
With just domestic competition to contend with, PSG set out the season determined to improve its league place. However, the team's terrible record persisted, and they slid to 12th just before Halilhodzic was sacked. The club finally ended ninth in the league under Laurent Fournier's guidance, and Sochaux's Guy Lacombe was hired manager following the season's end.
2006/07
PSG's away jersey was inspired by their fight to avoid relegation from Ligue 1 and reach the UEFA Cup Round of 16. The most astute viewers will recall the first season with Fly Emirates as a sponsor. The chocolate-coloured away shirt, a fan favourite, was a reference to the club's history, with the Eiffel Tower badge replicated in a 'Louis Vuitton' manner.
Despite the brilliance of the shirt, PSG finished 15th in Ligue 1 and were on the verge of relegation towards the end of the season. However, the season ended on a high note with a six-game winning streak.
2007/08
PSG were one goal away from relegation with 15 minutes remaining in their last game of the season. Paul Le Guen's men started the night in 16th place but were 17th as things stood, with PSG's relegation to the second tier becoming very real.
Diané's second goal in the 83rd minute gave PSG a 2-1 victory and a spot in the top tier the following season on that night at Sochaux. Fans erupted, releasing ten months of angst and sadness that had finally come to an end.
The season had clearly been challenging for the club in blue, but they had secured European qualifying by winning the Coupe de la Ligue a few weeks previously when wearing the sleek away shirt.
2008/09
PSG finished sixth in the league in 08/09 and advanced to the UEFA Cup quarterfinals.
That year, all-time leading scorer Pauletta (110 goals) announced his retirement, while Lilian Thuram was forced to retire after disclosing, he had a heart issue.
The away jersey, worn by Sakho, Makelele, and Giuly, deviates from the standard with a stripe running horizontally across the centre of the grey jersey.
2009/10
The inclusion of rich and sophisticated Parisian motifs woven into the 09/10 jersey marked a departure from the usual. The home jersey for this season was red and blue with a simple design of thin stripes. The second strip, which was even more unique, was white with little polka dots - two one-of-a-kind beauties that are sometimes ignored for their inventive choices.
This PSG season, which included Sakho, Giuly, Luyindula, and Sessegon, finished 13th in the league.
2010/11
The core design of the home shirt, inspired by the 1990s, appeared during the season that Carlo Ancelotti took command, and the Qatari investment group began to invest in the team, bringing in players such as Pastore and Thiago Motta. The way the red stripe was portrayed on a predominantly plain background bordered by white was a novel twist on the club's traditions, while also forecasting the club's future relationship to modern innovation.
The away strip is remarkable for being the club's first all-red jersey, inspired by the colours of New France, and it brilliantly inverted the home strip by taking the red from the middle stripe.
2011/12
Carlo Ancelotti took over as manager for the 11/12 season and guided the team to second place in the league, pushing his way up the ranks, looking forward to future achievements.
2012/13
There was an attempt during the decade to limit the use of red and white in the home jersey in favour of utilising red as the predominant colour in the away jersey. This was visible in the shirt worn under Ancelotti when guiding Ibrahimovic, Beckham, Lavezzi, and Verratti, as well as the entire French club, to Ligue 1 winning streaks after nine years of struggle.
2013/14
PSG as we know them now began with Ibrahimovic, Verratti, and Cavani, possessing star power while wrapped in that sleek tricolore design.
During this season, PSG won the French league for the second year in a row, the fourth in the club's history, and the third trophy of the season, joining the Coupe de la Ligue and Coupe de France.
2014/15
This jersey had a very clean pattern, with the iconic Hechter stripe reduced to a plain red and white on a dark navy foundation. On the field, PSG was still looking for that magic formula in Europe, but domestic success had been ensured, with the team clinching a domestic treble.
2015/16
PSG enjoyed an almost flawless 15/16 season under the new Qatari ownership, with manager Laurent Blanc, winning the league, the Coupe de France, the Coupe de la Ligue, and the Trophee des Champions, and reaching the quarterfinals of the Champions League, as Zlatan Ibrahimović celebrated 50 goals in all competitions.
The new Nike PSG home jersey had a deep navy ground with a vibrant centre stripe, returning to the club's classic style. The front pattern was carried through with a simple crew-neck collar. "Ici c'est Paris" (This is Paris) was also inscribed on the inside of the home jersey's collar to inspire the players and fans wearing it.
Zlatan Ibrahimović in 2015/16 for Paris ...
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 23, 2016
27 games
21 goals #UCL pic.twitter.com/kGiTB0wbFI
2016/17
The 16/17 season was their first without Zlatan in six years, and they finished second in the league, led by Unai Emery, after winning all other domestic tournaments and reaching the round of 16 in the Champions League. Cavani led the way at the front, scoring 49 goals in all competitions.
2017/18
This season, PSG returned to winning ways, winning the league and domestic cups, and advancing to the round of 16 of the Champions League, where they were defeated by Real Madrid 5-2 on aggregate.
This season witnessed the contentious use of an all-yellow away strip, which was immediately abandoned the following season.
2018/19
Taking cues from the explosive atmosphere of the Parc des Princes, Nike reimagined the Hechter stripe by passing PSG's renowned vertical red stripe through a speed filter, generating a visual effect like a sound wave. The Swoosh is all about honouring the club's legacy while yet remaining new and innovative.
Thiago Motta, who had been with the club since 2010, was absent for the first time this season. PSG won Ligue 1 and the Trophee des Champions once more, extending their winning streak.
2019/20
Despite the 19/20 season being interrupted by Covid-19, it was the third season of Mbappe, the French prodigy who scored 30 goals in all competitions. This was still PSG’s most successful season in the Champions League, finishing runners-up after a 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich, scored by ex-PSG star Kinglsey Coman.
After a year since the launch of the Jordan uniforms, PSG returned to the stage with even more zeal this season, debuting the renowned Jumpman insignia on their away kit. The Jordan brand had a strong effect on the design.
2020/21
PSG failed to finish the Coupe de la Ligue for the first time since 1995 due to the indefinite suspension of the competition and disruptions with Covid-19. During the season, Cavani left the club to join Manchester United, while Thiago Silva went to join Chelsea. Despite the setbacks, PSG finished second in Ligue 1, won the Coupe de France, the Trophee des Champions, and advanced to the Champions League Semi-Finals.
2021/22
The 21/22 home strip saw a modern take on PSG's traditional colours and design, with the centre stripe removed and the vivid red incorporated instead into the colour and sleeves.
With the additions of Messi, Wijnaldum, and Ramos before the season began, PSG were dubbed the "dream team." Despite playing the 'dream team' and winning Ligue 1, the season was viewed as a failure after being eliminated in the round of 16 of the Coupe de France and losing to Real Madrid in the Champions League.
2022/23
PSG is currently the dream squad, leading Ligue 1 by five points after 16 matches.
With the home jersey returning to its traditional roots, the silver away jersey transports us back to 01/02, when PSG donned their last silver away jersey with class and style. The only difference now is that current superstars like Mbappe, Messi, and Neymar are shining in our very own stadiums.
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