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Espérance Sportive de Tunis. ES Tunis. Blood and Gold. A club that stands as Tunisia’s most decorated, most followed, and in many ways, its most politically and culturally complicated football institution. So, Let’s #GetTheBadgeIn and see what we can learn. Founded in 1919, in the Bab Souika district of Tunis, ES Tunis was born from the ambitions of two young Tunisians who wanted a sporting club of their own—something rooted in the local Arabic-speaking population, not shaped by French colonial authorities. So it was that in 1919 that Mohamed Zouaoui, a shoemakers apprentice who came from Damascus in Syria and Hédi Kallel, who would become the treasurer - met at Café de l’Espérance. Here they agreed to found a team - and they borrowed the name of the café (which means ‘Hope’ in French) to get started - and it became a name that stuck. Supporters often call the team Taraji - Hope in Swahili - but a phrase that is used in multiple languages. At the time, local regulations required any sports club to be led by a Frenchman. They found a willing local French official and were up and running. They originally played in green amd white but later switched to the more iconic yellow and red colours, chosen to make them stand out against their more French friendly, and less colourful, rivals. The club quickly became a symbol of resistance and identity with Tunisians flocking to watch their games. In 2012 a rebrand introduced the current logo which also featured the cartoon boy. His name is Oulidha which means "It's son" . He is the club’s mascot and appears wearing the Tunisian traditional clothes (jebba) and the traditional hat (chachia) to represent Tunisian heritage. He's smiling because the Taraji supporters nickname is mkachkhines: The smiling ones. Like so many non-English teams, ES Tunis began as a multi-sport club, including boxing, athletics, and handball alongside football. Its rapid rise in the 1920s and 30s made it a focal point of social energy in the city—particularly among working-class supporters. That energy occasionally clashed with authority. In 1971, the Tunisian government dissolved Espérance Sportive de Tunis after violence erupted around the delayed Cup Final, blaming the club’s fans and leadership for unrest. However, President Habib Bourguiba quickly reversed the decision by decree. The club was seen as strong backers of Bourguiba (Tunisa's first independent President) and he recognised the club’s deep national significance and feared a wider public backlash. In 1987 the club's significance to local politics again took centre stage. As Bourguiba turned 87 his younger Prime Minister, a man called Ben Ali had the older President declared medically unfit. This so called "Medical Coup" on November 7th 1987 saw Ben Ali come to power. Looking to carry favour with the fans of ES Tunis he made his son-in-law, Slim Chiboub, president of the club. The stadium they played in was itself also named "November 7th Stadium" to hammer home the point about who the fans owed their allegiance to. The club won eight league titles in a row during this time, but many claimed that success came under the shadow of political favouritism and intimidation of rival fans. Even so, the club’s sporting accomplishments are difficult to dismiss. 34 national league titles, over a dozen Tunisian Cups, and four CAF Champions League trophies—most recently in 2019—make it one of Africa’s most successful clubs. In 2025, it qualified again for the FIFA Club World Cup, and defeated America's LAFC in the group stages. The club now plays its home matches at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium (The 7th November stadium was renamed after a famous footballer after the 2011 Arab Spring) with a capacity of over 60,000. They share a with fierce city rivals Club Africain. Tunis, the club’s home city, mirrors the club’s character: ancient and layered, yet forward-facing. Originally a Berber and Phoenician trading post, the city grew in importance under the Carthaginians, Romans, and later Arab Muslim rulers. The Al-Zaytuna Mosque, founded in the 8th century, became one of North Africa’s key centres of Islamic scholarship. By the 19th century, the city was the capital of a semi-independent province within the Ottoman Empire, until French colonisation in 1881 brought dramatic urban planning changes—boulevards, tramlines, and French civic institutions. Modern-day Tunis is a mix of styles and rhythms. Its medina, with its covered markets and twisting alleyways, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just outside its old walls, the French-built city centre hums with modern life: cafés, street murals, boutique hotels, and art galleries. The Bardo Museum, home to one of the world’s finest collections of Roman mosaics, sits just a tram ride away. Since the Jasmine Revolution in 2011, the city has become a centre for democratic energy and cultural experimentation. Reading clubs, calligraphy pop-ups, and artisan workshops now feature alongside mosques and colonial facades. Even its Light Metro system, launched in 1985, is a rare example of long-standing mass transit in the region. That balance between tradition and innovation defines Espérance Sportive de Tunis. The club’s Nationale training complex is among the best in North Africa. Its youth development programme continues to produce talent not just for Tunisian football, but for clubs across Europe and the Gulf. Current President, Hamdi Meddeb (a successful entrepreneur who once produced Virgin Cola under licence in Tunisia), was elected by members and has invested in modernisation while retaining the club’s community model. Unlike many modern clubs, ES Tunis remains member-owned, with a strong supporter base that is both fiercely loyal and deeply involved. It has big ambitions for the future and in 2025 became the first African club to get an IPO (floated on the stock market) to secure a funding boost to fuel its longer term aims – watch this space! The club’s badge may seem modest— but it tells a wider story: of a team founded under colonial rule, tested through dictatorship, and now thriving in a city at the crossroads of empire, religion, revolution, and renewal. And with this new round of funding – you’ll be hearing more from them very soon.

is one of Asia’s football giants – and one set to only get bigger and bolder as Saudi Arabia continues its mission to dominate global sports. Founded in Riyadh in 1957, the club’s name means “crescent moon” in Arabic— Al‑Hilal —a symbol deeply woven into Islamic culture. The crescent marks new beginnings, the renewal of a cycle, often signalling the arrival of Ramadan or major festivals. It carries connotations of hope, transformation, and unity—qualities the club has embraced since day one. Their badge embodies that symbolism. The club’s crest features sweeping blue stripes intersected by crescent shapes, a nod to tradition and their name’s meaning. In 2022 Al‑Hilal unveiled this simplified, modern design  in which the negative space between three parallel blue lines forms both an “H” for Hilal and an “S” for Saudi – look closely and you’ll see it – it’s actually quite clever. Within and around those stripes, crescent motifs echo their heritage. The redesign was a deliberate effort to merge aesthetic clarity with symbolic weight—shielding the club’s values in a visual language that speaks to both roots and ambition. But it was on the international stage that the crescent truly took centre‑stage. Ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Puma teamed up with streetwear label KidSuper to design Al‑Hilal’s tournament kit . And at its heart sat a bold crescent moon across the torso—glowing in gold against a blue background. It was a direct tribute to the club’s name and meaning, a visual affirmation that this club stands for renewal and hope as much as for football prowess Even the club’s white away kit for the 2025–26 season drew inspiration from the moon—linking shirt design back to identity, innovation, and Islamic tradition. Historically, Al‑Hilal has been dominant at home and on the continent. They have a record eight AFC Champions League titles and regularly qualify for the Club World Cup. Their trophy case also includes multiple Saudi Pro League crowns and continental silverware dating back to the 1990s. The club blends big money superstars with a productive youth development system. Al-Hilal is based in Riyadh , the capital city of Saudi Arabia. Founded in 1957, the club has grown alongside the rapid transformation of the city itself—from a modest desert town into a sprawling, modern metropolis at the heart of the Arab world. Riyadh’s history stretches back centuries as a key oasis settlement on ancient trade routes, but it truly rose to prominence in the 20th century when it became the political and administrative centre of the newly unified Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932. Since then, the city has experienced extraordinary growth, shaped by oil wealth, urban development, and state-led modernisation. Today, Riyadh is a powerhouse of finance, education, governance, and culture—home to millions of people from across the kingdom and around the world. Al‑Hilal is 75% owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), with the remaining 25% held by the Al‑Hilal Non‑Profit Foundation. This ownership ties the club directly into the broader Vision 2030 strategy to position Saudi Arabia as a global powerhouse in sport and entertainment. PIF also owns Savvy Games Group, which has become a major player in the global gaming industry. Through its acquisition of mobile game giant Scopely, Savvy controls hits like MONOPOLY GO! , Stumble Guys , and Star Trek™ Fleet Command , and recently agreed a $3.5 billion deal to acquire Pokémon GO and other social gaming titles from Niantic. Just as Savvy is using gaming to project Saudi influence to a global audience, just as Al‑Hilal is doing with football.   Next time you spot that crescent—especially the striking oversized version on the Club World Cup kit—remember it stands for more than aesthetics. It stands for Al‑Hilal  itself—a club rooted in meaning, rising with purpose – and more than ready for the next cycle. You’ve not heard the last of Al-Hilal, far, far from it.

Club de Fútbol Monterrey. Known as Rayados (The striped ones). Mexico’s answer to Sheffield. Although probably with better looking people. A club built on steel, shaped by its city, and supported by generations of working families. Based in Monterrey, Nuevo León - a Mexican state to the East of the country with a tiny landborder with the USA to its North. The team represents the history and character of one of Mexico’s most important industrial centres. So, let’s get the badge in and see what we can learn.   The club was founded on 28 June 1945 by a group of local business and civic leaders , including Paul C. Probert, Ramón Cárdenas Coronado, Miguel Galán, and later Ángel F. Escobedo and Dr. Carlos Canseco. Their aim was to create a professional football team that could provide entertainment and a sense of pride for a growing city.   By the 1940s, Monterrey was already becoming known as Mexico’s industrial heart. The Monterrey Foundry, opened in 1900, had helped turn the city into a centre for steel, cement, glass, brewing, and later automotive and electronics production. People came from across the country for work. A strong working-class community developed with with it Rayados emerged - many of the club’s early supporters worked directly for the city's factories, workshops, and trade unions.   The club’s nickname—Rayados—means “The Striped Ones” in Spanish. It refers to the team’s long-standing blue and white striped shirts, which became a core part of their identity from an early stage. The name stuck, and today, most fans refer to the club simply as Rayados.   The badge reflects that background. The blue and white vertical stripes are long associated with the team. A more modern telling is that blue represents the surrounding mountains and skies, and white stands for peace and industrial clarity.  Although I suspect this absolutely was not what the founders were thinking of.   The large “M” in the centre is clear and simple—just like the club’s identity. Stars were added over time to mark the club’s five Liga MX titles and five CONCACAF Champions League wins.   The club’s early years were difficult. In their first professional season, several players died in a tragic bus accident. In response, other teams loaned players so Monterrey could finish the season, but the club later withdrew from competition in honour of their teammates. It took several years to return.   The city of Monterrey is set within the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range and that landscape helped inspire the club’s motto: “El Cielo es el Límite” – The Sky is the Limit.    In 1952, with backing from Dr. Canseco, Rayados re-entered the top division. One of the club’s most memorable moments came in 1996, when they beat local rivals Tigres UANL and played a part in their relegation. That match added fuel to what is now known as the Clásico Regiomontano—a fixture that remains one of the most intense and evenly matched rivalries in Mexican football.   In 1999, the club was bought by FEMSA, the Latin American beverage and retail giant. Since then, Rayados has modernised its operations, investing in a youth academy, sports science, and new facilities. In 2015, the club opened Estadio BBVA, a 50,000-seater stadium nicknamed “El Gigante de Acero” (The Steel Giant). Built in the shadow of the old Fundidora steelworks, the stadium sits close to what is now Fundidora Park and prides itself on green spaces. The stadium is a thing pf real beauty and from within the ground one end slopes downwards slightly giving fans and players alike a breathtaking view of the Cerro de la Silla mountain peak nearby. It is scheduled to host some of the games in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.   Under FEMSA, the club has enjoyed sustained success. Alongside their league titles and continental wins, they have become regular participants in the FIFA Club World Cup, finishing third in 2019 after beating Al Sadd and narrowly losing to Liverpool. In 2025, Sergio Ramos joined the squad, bringing experience and leadership to an already well-run team.   Despite the modern facilities and international signings, the connection to working-class communities in Monterrey remains strong. Many fans still travel from outer neighbourhoods by bus or carpool to home games, and the club continues to support youth football and local outreach projects.   The badge is simple—stripes, a bold “M”, and stars—but it stands for a club cut from steel and welded to its local community.

If football clubs were old buildings, Club de Fútbol Pachuca would be a national monument. This isn’t just another team from Mexico’s Liga MX – this is the oldest professional football club in the country, founded in 1901 by Cornish miners working in the silver mines of Hidalgo. Known as Los Tuzos  – the Gophers – Pachuca carry a history that runs deeper than most. The club was born underground, quite literally, and everything about it – including the badge – reflects a story that starts with coal dust and ambition and ends with trophies, academies, and modern footballing success. So let’s #GetTheBadgeIn and see what we can discover…   The badge is really just dominated by one large thing – the building. It is the Reloj Monumental. Built in 1904 to celebrate Mexico’s centennial of independence, this iconic clock tower dominates the city’s skyline and gives the badge a sense of permanence few others can match. What makes it even more special is its origin. The tower was commissioned and built by the same British engineers who brought football to the region. And the clock itself? It was imported from the same company that made the mechanism for Big Ben. So, every time the bell chimes through Pachuca, it echoes with both Mexican pride and a trace of British engineering.   In the late 1800s, workers from Cornwall arrived in Hidalgo’s mining towns, bringing with them the tools of their trade – but also a leather football and a love of the game. They taught it to local workers, formed teams, set up leagues, and gradually wove football into the fabric of the region. Pachuca became the centre of this growing movement, and in 1901, they made it official: Club de Fútbol Pachuca was born. In the early days of Mexican football, Pachuca played a leading role, winning some of the first league titles and spreading the sport throughout the country.   But while many early clubs faded away, Pachuca endured. They didn’t just cling to the past – they modernised. Fast forward to the 21st century and Pachuca have become one of the most successful clubs in Latin America. They’ve won multiple Liga MX titles and claimed five CONCACAF Champions League trophies. They were also the first Mexican team ever to win a CONMEBOL tournament, lifting the Copa Sudamericana in 2006.   Part of that success comes from how Pachuca is run. Their academy is one of the most respected in the Americas, producing talents like Héctor Herrera, Hirving Lozano, and Erick Gutiérrez. Their facilities rival those of European giants. Unlike flashier clubs that splash on star signings, Pachuca build from the ground up. Youth, science, strategy, and long-term vision drive their progress. The badge hasn’t changed much because it hasn’t needed to—it already tells the story.   The colours are simple: blue and white stripes, carried over from the club’s earliest kits. Above the badge sit golden stars, each one marking a major title won by the club. And although it doesn’t appear front and centre, the nickname Los Tuzos  is woven into the identity too. It refers to gophers, the burrowing animals common in the region – and a nod to the mining tunnels that once ran under the city. The people of Pachuca are known as Tuzos, and the club carries that name proudly.   Pachuca  is believed to come from the Nahuatl language, possibly meaning “narrow place” or “place of the wind”. It reflects the city’s indigenous heritage as much as its colonial and industrial history. The badge stands at the intersection of all of this—indigenous roots, British influence, Mexican pride, and modern football.   So, the next time you spot that badge just remember: That’s not just a building. It’s not just a football club. From silver mines to silverware, from Big Ben to the Bicentennial, from Cornish coalfields to continental crowns, Club de Fútbol Pachuca have always stood tall.

Before the billions, before the Etihad, before Pep and the Treble, Manchester City were just a small side from the east of the city playing under a different name entirely. They began life in 1880 as St Mark’s (West Gorton), a church team founded to steer local lads away from drink, crime, and boredom. This was typical Victorian thinking—sport as salvation. It worked. The team became Ardwick AFC in 1887 and moved to Hyde Road, gaining a proper ground and a growing fanbase. But financial trouble hit, and in 1894 they were reborn as Manchester City, with a name to match their ambition and a badge that would slowly evolve to tell the story of an industrial powerhouse. One of the most recognisable elements of the modern badge is the golden ship. It might seem strange for a landlocked city, but it's a perfect tribute to one of Manchester’s greatest feats: the Manchester Ship Canal. Opened in 1894—the very same year City adopted their current name—the canal turned Manchester into an inland port, connecting it directly to the Irish Sea. Suddenly, goods could flow in and out of the city without needing to pass through Liverpool. It was a bold move, one that symbolised Manchester’s independence and refusal to be overshadowed. Cotton, textiles, machinery—everything that made Manchester rich and respected in the 19th century—flowed down that canal. So when you see the ship on the badge, you’re looking at a symbol of engineering triumph, economic power, and civic pride. Beneath the ship sit three diagonal blue stripes. These are often overlooked, but they’re some of the most meaningful elements on the crest. They represent the three rivers that run through the Greater Manchester area: the Irwell, the Irk, and the Medlock. These rivers weren’t just scenic features—they were the lifeblood of Manchester’s industrial boom. They powered the mills, drove the looms, and flushed the dye from the factories. Without them, there is no industrial revolution in Manchester. No spinning jenny. No cotton capital of the world. No City, in any sense of the word. The badge doesn’t shout about it, but those three stripes are the key to the city’s working-class roots and restless energy. At the centre of the crest sits a bold red rose—a link to Manchester’s past before modern boundaries rewrote the map. Historically, Manchester was part of Lancashire, and many locals still see it that way. The red rose is the traditional emblem of the county and has deep roots in English history. It dates back to the Wars of the Roses, a brutal 15th-century civil war between the House of Lancaster and the House of York. Shakespeare dramatised it in Henry VI  and Richard III , but for Mancunians, it’s not just theatre—it’s heritage. The red rose on City’s badge reminds fans that while football changes, geography and identity still matter. It’s a nod to the city’s place in a wider northern story. Manchester City have always had to adapt. After a fire at Hyde Road, they moved to Maine Road in 1923 and made it home for the next 80 years. Then, in 2003, they shifted again—this time to the newly built City of Manchester Stadium, now known as the Etihad. The move came just a few years before the game-changing takeover by Sheikh Mansour in 2008. Since then, City have become a global force: Premier League champions, Champions League contenders, a team transformed. But in 2016, the club made a deliberate choice to return to its roots. The badge was redesigned, stripping away the eagles and stars of previous decades and going back to the fundamentals—ship, stripes, rose, and the year it all began. The badge is, I have to admit, one of my favourites for adopting simplicity but without sacrificing meaning and powerful symbolism. It tells a story of mills and rivers, of canals and county pride, of a city that built itself from bricks, steam, and stubborn ambition. The ship sails forward. The rivers flow on. The rose blooms defiantly. And 1894 stands as a reminder that long before the trophies, there was a team trying to represent a city. So next time you see that crest—on a shirt, a flag, a mural, or a cup final screen—remember what it means. It's not just design. It's Manchester. It’s a badge that carries the weight of a city’s past and the promise of its future.

If AC Milan are the serious, sharp-suited elder sibling, then Inter were always the rebellious younger brother—the one with different ideas, sharper lines, and a taste for the dramatic. Inter Milan was born in 1908 as a breakaway from what would become AC Milan. The split came because the Milan Cricket and Football Club wanted to restrict its player base to Italians only. A group of dissenters didn’t like that. They wanted to welcome foreign players and build a team that reflected a more global outlook. So they walked away and formed Football Club Internazionale—literally, a club for everyone. Inter’s first home wasn’t a grand stadium but a rough pitch in the working-class canal-side area of Ripa Ticinese. There were no billionaire owners, no marble-floored training grounds. Just a group of men with a ball, a few boots, and a belief in something more open. That founding spirit—one of internationalism and imagination—never left them. In fact, it’s stitched directly into their badge. While many clubs went for crests and animals, Inter chose a swirl of letters—F, C, I, M—wrapped inside a circle. It’s stylish, it’s modern, and it hasn’t changed much since it was drawn by club founder Giorgio Muggiani in 1908. He was a painter by trade and the iconic design he created is no famous around the world – and has many imitators. Over time, that circular monogram became one of the most recognisable badges in football. Subtle changes came—a gold trim here, a refined font there—but the soul of the badge never changed. Yet, for a time, Inter’s badge did feature something more dramatic: a serpent. Known as the Biscione, the serpent is one of Milan’s oldest symbols, taken from the coat of arms of the Visconti family, rulers of the city during the Middle Ages. The image—usually a snake devouring or consuming a human. Legend has it that a Visconti ancestor killed a Saracen knight and claimed the serpent from his banner. The Biscione made its way into Inter’s badge in different eras, particularly during the Ambrosiana period under fascist rule in the 1920s and 30s, and again in several versions from the late 1970s into the 1980s. It’s never been a permanent feature, but it has always been lurking in the club’s visual language. More recently, the serpent returned—not to the badge, but to the shirts. The 2010–11 away kit featured a bold, curling serpent graphic that wrapped around the torso, while the 2021–22 away strip showcased a more modern snakeskin pattern woven into the fabric. It was bold, stylish, and unmistakably Inter. The club had brought the Biscione back into full view—reminding fans of its heritage and deep connection to the city’s identity. That serpent isn’t just Inter’s thing. It’s Milan’s. The Biscione appears on buildings, fountains, company logos—and most famously, on the badge of Alfa Romeo. The car manufacturer’s logo is split in two: on the left, a red cross, symbolising Saint George and associated with AC Milan; on the right, the Biscione, representing the city’s noble past and, by extension, Inter. One badge, two clubs, two identities. Alfa Romeo’s emblem is like a visual shorthand for the city’s football rivalry. Despite the noble feel of the badge and the serpent, Inter’s support base has always been firmly rooted in the working city. As Milan industrialised, Inter drew fans from its growing working-class neighbourhoods—tram drivers, factory workers, apartment block kids kicking balls in alleyways. When the club moved into the San Siro, which it began sharing with AC Milan in 1947, it became the home of one of the world’s fiercest derbies: the Derby della Madonnina. Named after the golden statue of the Virgin Mary that stands atop Milan’s cathedral, it’s a clash of two visions of the same city. Through all of this, Inter’s badge has been worn by some of football’s true greats. Giuseppe Meazza, whose name now graces the stadium. Sandro Mazzola, who dominated the 1960s. Javier Zanetti, a symbol of loyalty and grace. Ronaldo, Zlatan, Milito, Lautaro. Under Helenio Herrera in the 1960s, Inter became La Grande Inter, winning back-to-back European Cups and redefining what Italian football looked like on the continent. Then, in 2010, came the moment that lifted the badge into football immortality: the Treble. Serie A, Coppa Italia, and the Champions League all won in one year, under the masterful guidance of José Mourinho. It was the first and only time an Italian side achieved that feat. So next time you see that badge—maybe stitched onto a scarf in the Curva Nord, or flickering on a screen in Jakarta, New York or Riyadh—remember what it stands for. Not just a football team, but a badge that speaks of rebellion, internationalism, pride, elegance and myth. It’s black, blue, and brilliant.

#GetTheGroundIn – Wrexham Kop This account normally focuses on badges and kits – mostly because of their symbolism and what they can tell us about the history and nature of a town or city. But occasionally, bricks and mortar catch our attention too – for exactly the same reason.   In steps some North Wales mining town called Wrexham. You may have heard of them. I think there’s a TV show or something.   All the influx of Hollywood dollars has, happily, allowed for a transformation in the club’s fortunes – but also in the built infrastructure of the town and the club. Most notably, the club is now on course to turn the once-condemned Kop stand (which stood derelict and a visible blight on the landmark since 2007) into something remarkable.   The plans are pretty darn cool – developed by the same firm that built the new Tottenham Stadium (widely applauded as the best in the country).   So, let’s #GetTheGroundIn for the new Kop stand.   But before we go there – why the Kop? There’s also a Kop at Anfield – the home of Liverpool. So what on earth does it mean?   A "Kop" or "Spion Kop" is a term for a single-tier stand, typically behind the goal, known for its steep slope and large capacity. The name originates from the Battle of Spion Kop in the Second Boer War, where a hill in South Africa with a similar steepness was the site of fierce fighting. Many terraces in British football stadiums were named "Kop" in memory of the battle and the soldiers who fought there.   At first glance, the new stand looks like a sleek modern shape – something you’d see at the Tate. Full of clean lines, sharp angles – all very smart. But look a little closer and you’ll spot something far more grounded – far more Wrexham. The deep red brick is Ruabon brick, long used in homes, schools, and chapels across North Wales. It came from the town of Ruabon, only a ten-minute drive from Wrexham. The Ruabon Brick and Terracotta Company, established in the 1890s, was a key producer of Ruabon bricks at its factory near the town. Henry Dennis founded the Hafod Brickworks in 1878 to capitalise on the Etruria Marl (top-notch quality) clay found in the area, which was used to make the bricks. So popular were these bricks that the area earned the nickname "Terracottapolis". There could be little more North Wales than this.   That connection to place runs deeper still. The angles and shapes of the brickwork have been carefully modelled on the coal seams and slate layers that criss-cross the land beneath Wrexham. It’s a nod – unspoken, but clear enough – to the generations who grafted underground, powering the country from deep beneath the ground. The lattice-style brickwork means you can see in and out – a gentle reminder that the club isn’t shutting itself away. It’s still a part of the town, and it wants the town to feel part of it.   Down at ground level, there’ll be a plaza – open, public, and home to a miner’s wheel. It’s there to honour the 266 men and boys who lost their lives in the Gresford Colliery Disaster of 1934. A stark number, even now. The wheel doesn’t just mark a tragedy; it anchors the club to a wider story, one written in soot and sweat. The bodies of those lost still remain, locked in their underground tombs, and even today, many in the town have grandparents or great-grandparents who lost their lives in this terrible industrial disaster. The wheel will reflect the beating heart and spirit of the town (it also appears on their kits).   Of course, this is still about football. The new stand isn’t just beautiful or symbolic – it’s practical too. It’s being built to meet UEFA Category 4 standards, which means the club could one day host international matches. Which is fitting, as it will restore the ground to its historic role as an international venue – it hosted Wales v Scotland in 1877.   There is also the small matter of the dragons. The nickname for the team. The creature on the Welsh flag. Two will stand proudly on the corner of the Kop – taken straight from the badge.   All in all, it’s more than a stand. It’s a story in stone and steel. About who Wrexham is. And where it’s going.

Sport Lisboa e Benfica. Benfica.  One of Portugal’s most successful and best-supported football clubs, based in Lisbon and deeply tied to the city’s social and sporting life for over a century. They have a bicycle wheel on their badge – I don’t know of any other team that does… Founded in 1904, Benfica was created by local students and athletes. Its name reflects a merger of two early clubs: Sport Lisboa, focused on football, and Grupo Sport Benfica, originally a cycling club. Hence the backdrop to their badge remains the bicycle wheel. At the top of the badge is the club’s most recognisable symbol: the eagle. Chosen in the early 20th century, it represents independence, strength, and clarity—traits the club aspired to on and off the pitch. These ideals align with broader European heraldry, where the eagle symbolises nobility and unity. Today, Benfica’s matchday mascot Águia Vitória (Victory Eagle) still soars across the Estádio da Luz before kick-off—a tradition unique in European football. Benfica’s motto, “E pluribus unum” – “Out of many, one” – reflects its role as a unifying force. In the early 20th century, Lisbon was growing fast with migrants from rural Portugal and its colonies. The club drew support from these communities and came to symbolise the expanding, working-class heart of the capital. Today, a Benfica fan might be descended from medieval Portuguese farmers or be a second-generation Angolan Portuguese citizen. Lisbon’s history is long and layered. It likely began as a Phoenician trading post between the 8th and 6th centuries BCE. Drawn by its deep harbour at the mouth of the Tagus River, they traded metals and goods with local tribes. Under the Romans, it became Olisipo, a key administrative centre in western Iberia. In 1147, Christian forces took Lisbon from the Moors during the Reconquista. By the 15th and 16th centuries, it was the capital of the Portuguese maritime empire, sending expeditions across the globe. The 1755 earthquake, followed by a tsunami and fires, devastated the city and led to major Enlightenment-inspired rebuilding. The 19th century saw industrialisation, liberal reform, and urbanisation. Football arrived in Lisbon via returning Portuguese students and sailors. It spread quickly among students and workers, with clubs like Benfica emerging as part of a broader wave of social association-building. In the 20th century, Lisbon became the centre of the Estado Novo dictatorship, which lasted until the Carnation Revolution in 1974. Benfica’s golden era came in the 1960s, including two European Cup wins. While not formally tied to the regime, the club’s success was used to promote national pride abroad. Today, Lisbon is a hub for tourism, tech, and migration. Benfica—now a modern institution—continues to evolve with its city. Benfica has won 38 Primeira Liga titles, numerous domestic cups, and two European Cups (1961 and 1962), led by legends like Eusébio and manager Béla Guttmann. Although they’ve reached other European finals, further continental glory has eluded them. The club now excels in youth development and financial sustainability. Since 2014, it has generated over €500 million in player transfers, funding facilities and a top-tier academy. Stars like João Félix, Rúben Dias, and Enzo Fernández came through its ranks. Benfica is not owned by a private investor. It remains a member-owned club with over 250,000 official members (sócios), who elect the president and vote on decisions. Though listed on the Lisbon Stock Exchange, its structure is democratic and community-focused. Revenue comes from matches, broadcasting, sponsorships, player sales, and European competition. Home matches are held at the Estádio da Luz – the “Stadium of Light” – rebuilt in 2003. It hosted the Euro 2004 final and remains one of southern Europe’s finest grounds. The name refers not to light, but to the Luz district of Lisbon. Benfica today is both a top football club and a civic symbol. Through monarchy, dictatorship, and democracy, it has endured—its badge reflecting the story of a club, a city, and a people.

If you think of football, and you think of Madrid… you probably think of that other team. But that’s to do a deep disservice to Atlético Madrid – a club with a fierce identity, a storied past, and a badge packed with meaning. Founded in 1903 by Basque students inspired by Athletic Bilbao, Atlético have grown from humble beginnings to become one of Spain’s most successful clubs. With 11 La Liga titles, 10 Copa del Rey wins, three UEFA Europa League trophies, and three Champions League final appearances, this is a club that has consistently challenged Spain’s elite – and often beaten them. So, let’s #GetTheBadgeIn and look beyond the red and white stripes and find out why on earth there is bear shaking a tree on the badge. So, let’s get straight to it - at the centre of that badge stands a bear reaching up into a strawberry tree. At first glance, it might seem like an odd choice for a football crest – but this emblem predates the club, and even modern Spain. It’s the ancient coat of arms of Madrid itself, and its origins go back to the early 1200s. Back then, the area around Madrid was heavily forested, with bears roaming wild. The local council and the church got into a drawn-out legal dispute over who controlled the woodlands and pastures. Eventually, in 1222, a ruling divided the rights: the church would manage the animals, and the town would own the land. To mark this agreement, Madrid adopted a new coat of arms: a standing bear leaning against a madroño tree – a native tree often (though not always accurately) translated as “strawberry tree.” In reality the tree grows the arbutus berry – less sweet than a strawberry but still used by locals to make jams. The bear and the tree became a lasting symbol of civil authority and local independence. A nice little nod to a division between Church and State too. That symbol remained a constant through centuries of Spanish history. In 1561, King Philip II chose Madrid as the permanent seat of royal power. He wanted a location that was geographically central, politically neutral, and – crucially – without a powerful local nobility that could rival the monarchy. Madrid was small, strategically placed, and just the right mix of insignificant and promising. From that point on, Madrid became Spain’s capital, and the bear and the tree stood as its enduring emblem. Philip II himself was not a casual monarch. He ruled over one of the largest empires the world had ever seen, stretching from the Americas to the Philippines (named after him), and including vast territories in Europe, North Africa, and Asia. A devout Catholic, Philip was known for his austere character, his obsession with paperwork, and his direct micromanagement of his kingdom’s affairs from his desk at the El Escorial palace. He was also the man behind one of the most ambitious military campaigns in European history: the ill-fated Spanish Armada of 1588. Philip clearly liked a big project – and making Madrid the imperial capital of his global empire fit the bill. His decision transformed a modest town into the administrative and symbolic heart of Spain. Today, the same symbol is worn with pride by Atlético Madrid – a club whose identity is deeply tied to the capital’s working-class roots and local character. While Real Madrid may have long been linked to royalty and prestige, Atlético are the people’s club – and that symbolism runs straight through their badge. The bear and tree ground them firmly in the history and soil of the city they call home. Atlético Madrid's badge also features seven stars. They are meant to represent the Ursa Major constellation, also known as the Great Bear. Atlético Madrid’s famous red and white stripes are the subject of several overlapping origin stories. The most widely accepted explanation is their early link to Athletic Bilbao. Atlético was founded in 1903 by Basque students living in Madrid who saw their new club as a youth branch of Athletic Bilbao. At first, they played in blue and white kits, just like Bilbao, which had adopted the colours of Blackburn Rovers. But by 1910, both clubs had switched to red and white stripes. One story suggests the change came after Juan Elorduy, an Athletic player and board member, travelled to England to buy kits. Unable to find Blackburn Rovers shirts, he instead brought back red and white ones from Southampton, which were then adopted by both clubs. Another theory holds that red and white stripes were simply the cheapest to produce, as they matched the fabric used to make mattresses in Spain. The leftover material made for easy shirt-making, and this led to Atlético’s enduring nickname, Los Colchoneros – "the mattress makers". Some say the nickname only gained traction after the Spanish Civil War, when mattresses with red and white covers were especially common. Either way, whether shaped by supply chains, symbolism, or simple practicality, Atlético’s colours have become an unmistakable part of the club’s identity. So next time you see that badge – bear, tree, stripes, and all – know that it carries centuries of meaning. A woodland dispute. A royal capital. Inadvertent Southampton fans. A football club that never forgets where it comes from.

Let’s #GetTheBadgeIn for the Ball Game Club (Ballspielverein) from Dortmund, formed in 1909 (hence “BVB 09” on the badge) – Germany’s most successful team with eight league championships, five DFB-Pokals, and six DFL-Supercups.   However, before Haaland, yellow walls, and famous tifos, Borussia Dortmund was known for something much more down to earth – well, under the earth, in fact. It was a coal mining club. Much like Sunderland, Wrexham, or over in Ukraine – Shakhtar Donetsk – these guys were coal miners first. Borussia Dortmund’s early fans were the coal workers, steelworkers, and labourers from Germany’s most industrialised and richest region. The club came to symbolise the working-class pride of the Ruhr. Even today, fans call their support Echte Liebe  (True Love) — loyalty over luxury. Even their colours, black and yellow, represent the coal and the spark or fire of industry (Donetsk play in black and orange for similar reasons). Their most recent kit for the Fifa Club World Cup featured a pattern which can only be described unromantically as coal lumps, that ran across the kit. The name Borussia itself is the old latin name for Prussia (the large German state that gobbled up all the others to form Germany during the 19 th  century). But the name was actually adopted by the founders simply because it was the name of the nearby Borussia beer brewery – and they enjoyed a good pint. Dortmund the city then sits in the heart of the Ruhrgebiet — Germany’s historic coal and steel powerhouse. If you’ve ever heard of the Ruhrgebiet, you’ll know it as simply the Ruhr — and you’ve either done GCSE History at some point in your life or you’re a World War II history buff (or both).   After World War I, Germany was ordered to pay reparations to the Allies under the Treaty of Versailles (1919). When they couldn’t keep up with payments in 1923, French and Belgian troops occupied the Ruhr — taking coal and goods by force.   But the local workers, many of whom by this point were already BVB fans (the club having formed in 1909), fiercely unionised and patriotic, went on strike, refusing to help. The Weimar Government printed more and more money to support them.   And that’s when it all collapsed. The hyperinflation crisis of 1923 — wheelbarrows of cash, pensions wiped out, chaos in the streets — started right here, in Dortmund’s industrial backyard. It was the crisis that first gave Hitler an opening – one he took during the Munich Putsch (it failed, and he ended up in jail – but it did wonders for his brand recognition…).   Today, things are much changed, of course. The region still sits at the heart of German industry – sure, the coal mines have seen better days – but the steel plants have now been joined by car manufacturers, chemical plants, and energy giants like RWE (who currently power around 12 million UK homes too).   It was deemed so important that, post-WWII, the entire region was bundled up into what became the European Coal and Steel Community. Basically, in order to get France to work more closely with Germany in the future (understandably – the French were a little fed up with the Germans by 1945…), the two countries, along with the Benelux nations, agreed to pool their coal and steel resources – the jewel in the crown of Germany’s economy – into one jointly managed enterprise. This co-operation became the bedrock and forerunner of today’s European Union.   So, it is little exaggeration to claim that the future of Europe was forged in the mines and mills of Dortmund.   Today, that spirit that once forged battleships and cars – as well as continental political projects – turns Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park into one of football’s great cathedrals.It contains within it the 24,454-capacity Südtribüne  (South Bank). It is the largest terrace for standing spectators in European football. Famous for the intense atmosphere it breeds, the south terrace has been nicknamed Die Gelbe Wand , meaning “The Yellow Wall”.   This is football for the people. Even as Dortmund have grown into a global brand, they’ve never lost touch with their working-class roots. You’ll still find former miners in the stands. It is, by membership, the fifth-biggest fan-owned club in the world, with nearly a quarter of a million signed-up members. That’s not bad community engagement. Their reach is international, with probably one of the most recognisable badges in the game - and they now also host a feeder team in the Canadian Ontario league that share their colours. BVB's seams run deep.   So, next time you see that badge, remember: it’s not just a logo — it’s coalfield DNA stitched in black and yellow.

What links Geoff Hurst, MK Dons and Sam Morsy? Find out by reading up on the history of his new team, – so let’s #GetTheBadgeIn.   If fans in the UK know Kuwait, it’s likely from that unfortunate little episode in 1990 when Saddam Hussein rolled his tanks in on a bank holiday weekend and declared it his. The world mobilised, sent in bigger tanks (and aircraft with laser-guided munitions), threw him back out, and restored Kuwait’s sovereignty. Anyone alive at the time will remember the nightly news reports and the ghostly, dystopian images of burning oil wells—set alight by Saddam’s retreating army. Out of spite, they torched them, pushing billions of tonnes of CO₂ into the atmosphere. Thanks, guys.   But what fans will probably be less familiar with is Kuwait’s long culture and tradition. It sat on the edge of what’s known as the “cradle of civilisation” – ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq and Syria). This was a people who developed some minor little inventions like the wheel, writing, timekeeping, maths, irrigation, and the world’s first major cities like Ur. So, these guys are no latecomers to the game of success.   In the modern world, though, they were latecomers to football. The game developed in European and South American factory towns in the late 19th century. At the time, Kuwait was largely ruled by Bedouin who did a spot of pearl diving and trading – no streets to kick a ball around in or large factories to supply the young men needed to make teams. So, football came later – in the 1960s – and Kuwait Sporting Club, Sam Morsy’s new team, was one of the first to be founded. Founded in 1960, just before the country’s independence in 1961, the club carries the nickname Al-Ameed  (العميد), meaning The Brigadier  or The Dean . It’s a name translates to something like leadership, experience, and honour—like a military brigadier or university dean. Kuwait SC was one of the first official sports clubs in the country—a founding pillar of Kuwaiti football. These are the OGs of Kuwaiti soccer.   By the 1970s and 80s, the club was competing fiercely with other local start-ups and sought inspiration from an unlikely source. In 1980, England’s World Cup hat-trick hero Geoff Hurst took a shock managerial role at Kuwait SC. He joined on a generous salary, controversially dropped club captain Saad Al-Houti, and went head-to-head with Scottish legend Dave Mackay, who was managing rivals Al-Arabi. Not many clubs outside the UK can say they were managed by a World Cup winner. Kuwait SC can.   But it was the 2000s that cemented their legacy. Alongside Qadsia SC, they dominated the domestic scene, sharing nearly every trophy for a decade and sparking one of Kuwait’s greatest rivalries. Kuwait SC vs Qadsia SC became a fixture that divided the capital’s two major districts — Kaifan vs Hawalli.   Internationally, Al-Ameed  made history. In 2009, they became the first Kuwaiti club to win the AFC Cup, beating Syria’s Al-Karamah. Back-to-back titles followed in 2012 and 2013 and made them three-time continental champions, unmatched by any other Kuwaiti side. At home and abroad, they carried the flag of Kuwaiti football with pride. Many of their players helped build the national team that reached the 1982 World Cup – the first Arab Asian team ever to qualify.   In a Middle East now dominated by Saudi money, the other nations are upping their game. Up steps Kuwait SC, with big signings like Sam Morsy. So where does this money come from?   Take a look at Kuwait SC’s shirts and you’ll spot a familiar sponsor: BMW. But this isn’t just any deal—it’s personal. The club is owned by Fahad Al-Ghanim, a powerful Kuwaiti businessman whose family conglomerate started as BMW’s main agent in the country. Today, they control a large share of Kuwait’s automotive and investment sector, and they’ve extended their reach beyond the Gulf.   In 2024, Fahad Al-Ghanim led the takeover of MK Dons, the English League Two club, and Stadium MK itself. From Kaifan to Milton Keynes, he’s building a sporting empire—connecting Kuwait’s capital with the heart of England.   So, what of that badge?   Kuwait SC’s badge is a striking design: a divided red-and-blue shield, topped with a white eight-pointed star, and anchored by three interlocking rings. The star isn’t the traditional Islamic khātim or Rub el Hizb (two squares overlapping, with one at a slight angle to the other, that you see all over the Middle East) – it’s sharper, more modern. It looks more like a sunburst or compass rose. Given Kuwait’s history as a port city, that makes perfect sense. Dhows from Kuwait sailed the Gulf and Indian Ocean for centuries, linking up empires and peoples – connecting Kuwait to the wider world.   The blue reinforces this heritage. While Kuwait’s national flag is the traditional Arab red, white, green, and black, blue holds deep sporting meaning. It’s the colour of the national team, affectionately called Al-Azraq (“The Blue”), and it represents the sea. Before oil brought wealth, Kuwait’s soul was maritime—pearl diving, fishing, dhow-building. Generations lived by the tides.   The three interlocking rings are shared by most major Kuwaiti clubs and can be seen on nearly all their badges. They represent their multi-sport setup—Kuwait SC isn’t just a football team, but also competes in basketball, handball, and more. This model is common across Europe and especially the Middle East.   Kuwait SC is based in Kaifan. Built in the 1950s, Kaifan was one of the first modern planned districts after oil was discovered. It became home to Kuwait’s first cooperative society in 1962 and was seen as a symbol of the country’s progress. Today, it’s home to the Al Kuwait Sports Club Stadium, where the Brigadiers play. The district blends quiet streets, family parks, and on match days – Kuwait SC fans.   Kuwait SC isn’t just one of the region’s most successful clubs—it’s a team that has run in parallel with the national story. From its founding before independence to its dominance in the 2000s and three AFC Cup titles, it stands, as on its badge, as a shining star of Kuwaiti football.   With deep local roots in Kaifan and ownership now stretching to England, Kuwait SC is still marching at the front. And with Fahad Al-Ghanim calling the shots off the field and Sam Morsy on it, don’t be surprised if the next chapter gets even more ambitious.

. Royal Madrid. Them. The team. The heavyweights of Europe. The Galácticos. The most decorated side in the history of the game, with a name that echoes far beyond the Santiago Bernabéu and into every corner of the footballing world. So, Let’s #GetTheBadgeIn for the most famous club in world football…   Founded in 1902, Real Madrid have become the gold standard in European football. With 36 La Liga titles, 20 Copa del Rey trophies, and a record-breaking 15 UEFA Champions League wins, their silverware collection is unrivalled. Add in 5 FIFA Club World Cups, 6 UEFA Super Cups, and a rich legacy in continental and global competition, and it’s clear: success isn’t just part of their story—it is the story.   Some of the greatest players of all time have worn the white shirt. Alfredo Di Stéfano, the talisman who shaped the club’s dominance in the 1950s; Paco Gento, who holds the record for the most European Cups won by a single player; some chap called Cristiano Ronaldo - the club’s all-time leading scorer; Zidane, Ramos, Modrić—the names read like a greatest hits list of modern football.   But Real Madrid are not just about footballing brilliance—they’re also steeped in royal and political history. In 1920, King Alfonso XIII bestowed the title “Real” on the club, cementing its identity as Spain’s royal team. That royal connection would later become politically loaded during the rule of General Franco, when Madrid came to be seen—fairly or not—as the regime’s chosen side. Their rivalry with FC Barcelona is more than just a sporting contest: it’s a clash of identities. Madrid, the capital and seat of centralised power; Barcelona, the voice of Catalan resistance and autonomy. During the Spanish Civil War Madrid supported the military dictator Franco and Barcelona threw its weight behind the Republican government. Players from both teams served in the military of these rival factions – and were killed in the conflict. Barcelona’s football club’s president was captured and executed by Franco’s men.   These grudges simmered during the Franco era. One of the most controversial moments came with the signing of Di Stéfano, who had been due to sign for Barcelona before negotiations took a strange turn— under some political influence —bringing him to Madrid instead. Then there was the infamous 11–1 victory over Barcelona in 1943, a second-leg cup result still cited in Catalonia as an example of corruption and bias. These two sets of fans really, really do not like each other.   After Franco’s death in 1975, Real Madrid began to shed its image as a symbol of the regime and worked hard to reposition itself as a modern, global club. Crucially, it has remained a socio-owned club—meaning it is not owned by a private investor or company, but by its membership base (socios). Over 90,000 members elect the club president in democratic elections. It is a model that blends elite-level ambition with some accountability—not to be sniffed at in an era of oil-backed billionaire owners.   Real Madrid’s reach now goes far beyond Spain. Their shirt is worn by kids in Cairo, Colombo, Chicago and Casablanca. It’s not unusual to see a Benzema, Vinícius or Bellingham jersey walking down a high street thousands of miles from the Bernabéu. In Dubai they even have their own Theme Park.    The club has been led by iconic presidents—from Santiago Bernabéu, who rebuilt the club after the war and whose name was given to the stadium, to Florentino Pérez, who launched the Galáctico era, signing global stars like Figo, Zidane, Ronaldo, and Beckham to create, arguabl, the best team of all time. The term "Galácticos" has since become synonymous with Madrid’s strategy of signing the biggest names in football, and continued with players like Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé. It's a model that doesn’t always guarantee wins —but it certainly guarantees headlines.