Barcelona are famous for their Blaugrana colours, and rightly so. Legends such as Johan Cruyff, Hristo Stoitchkov, Andres Iniesta or Lionel Messi have defended the Catalans over the years, causing millions around the world to fall in love with the club (and their colours) in the process.
Barca have just released their 2020/21 kit, which is a welcome improvement on the hideous one last season – which, don’t despair, deservedly made my counter-list of the 11 worst Barca jerseys of all-time.
Without further ado, here is my rank of the top 10 greatest Barcelona kits, ever:
11 – Cruyff White – 1978
Yes, I know it’s white. And I am fully aware that those guys in the Spanish capital usually wear white too. But even the most ultra-fanatic Culers must admit Johan looks a million dollars on that kit – well, a million pesetas, at the time. A clear case of ‘So wrong, it’s actually right’.
10 – Les Quatre Barres – 2019
Absolutely gorgeous and a true reflection of our Catalan sentiment, released during a time of obvious political tension. Shame the team haven’t worn it in enough matches or won more titles while wearing it, to be honest.
9 – El Sextete – 2009
Simple, stylish, no nonsense. Worn by the most successful team in our history. I close my eyes and can still see Samuel Eto’o terrorising opponents, Henry zooming from the wings and Carles Puyol growling instructions from the heart of our back-line. Legendary.
8 – Dream Team Home – 1993
The first Barcelona kit I ever owned. I still remember Romario’s magic hat-trick against Real Madrid. Oh, and Hristo being a constant pain to defend against too. Nostalgic, utter greatness.
7 – El Meyba – 1982
Another classic design, bold colours. Lovely. I would not wear those tiny shorts today, but Maradona didn’t seem to mind showing off his rock-solid thighs at the time. Made by Catalan-based brand Meyba, which is a considerable plus.
6 – El Centenari – 1999
Let’s face it: Nike has punished Culers with some shocking Barca kits over the years. However, they did get it remarkably right to celebrate the first 100 years of the club, which was a relief. Classy.
5 – Cruyff Yellow – 1979
So stylish and iconic that we branded our The Barcelona Podcast accordingly – Listen in for passionate Barca opinions, in-depth analysis and the latest news and rumours coming out of the Camp Nou, right here:
4 – Dream Team Orange – 1992
It’s a fact: Barca kits become more beautiful if worn by winning teams. The pinnacle of Cruyff’s tenure as manager culminated in our first ever Champions League victory in this glorious orange. My favourite kit growing up, another masterpiece by Meyba.
3 – Blonde Messi Home – 2016
Another beauty with a retro feel dating back to the late 1980s. Worn by Super Saiyan Messi, which is clearly a plus. Also the first Barcelona kit my daughter ever owned, now hanging proudly in her bedroom. Beautiful.
2 – Pep Team – 2010
The greatest team in Barcelona history played their best football wearing this dazzling, legendary kit. The 5-0 over Jose Mourinho’s nasty Real Madrid. The 3-1 victory over Manchester United in Wembley. Endless moments of happiness. Goosebumps.
1 – Cruyff Blaugrana – 1973
The ultimate Barcelona kit. Exactly what it should be every single year. Even the socks are absolutely spot on. And the captain’s armband. Everything is perfect. Honestly, I often wish the geniuses at Nike, with our board’s compliance, stopped messing with our history and just get the team to wear this exact kit, forever. No tweaks, just leave it alone and enjoy. Perfection.
PS: Unfortunately, not every Barca jersey is as gorgeous as those beauties listed above – Here is my list of the 11 worst Barcelona jerseys of all-time.
Francesc Tomàs is a Catalan columnist featured in ESPN, The Guardian and many others. Born and raised minutes away from the Camp Nou, Francesc has been sharing his opinionated views with thousands of faithful Culer listeners via The Barcelona Podcast since 2017.
