When we talk about Liverpool, the first thing that comes to our mind is the “Red Army”. Red shirts, red pants, and red socks are synonymous with Liverpool Football Club. So what is the history of Liverpool’s changes?
In 1892, Liverpool Football Club was established. Subsequently, it was Bill Shankly who decided to transform the team’s strip color to the now-iconic red, which was seen as a sort of “threat” to their rival teams. The choice of the color red was not arbitrary; it has a psychological connotation, symbolizing danger and strength. Thus, Shankly played a crucial role in molding the image of Liverpool.
Shankly bequeathed a prosperous legacy. He guided the team to win three League Championships and the European Cup. His success paved the way for Bob Paisley and Joe Fagan to take the reins of the Reds. Under their leadership, the club achieved numerous additional victories in the years to come, further solidifying Liverpool’s standing in the football world.
1988-1989 Liverpool jersey
In the 88/89 season, the Adidas home kit holds a special place in Liverpool’s history as it was the first to display the logo of Candy, a well-known home appliance sponsor. The red jersey had a smooth and classic appearance. The Adidas stripes on the shoulders formed an elegant outline against the red background of the shirt. The away jersey, with its grey color, created a striking contrast to the red elements, making it highly popular among the fans.
During this season, the team consisted of renowned players such as John Barnes and Jan Molby. They were joined by Kenny Dalglish, who held the dual role of player and manager, to lead the red and white. However, the Reds’ performance in the league was somewhat disappointing as they finished in second place, especially considering their previous successes.
Despite the season being memorable for its unique uniforms and talented players, it was marred by one of the most tragic disasters in the world of sports. The Hillsborough disaster occurred, which was a catastrophic human crush at Hillsborough stadium. Sadly, it led to the deaths of 97 Liverpool fans who were attending the FA Cup semi-final. This tragic event cast a long shadow over the season and remains a solemn and significant moment in the club’s and the sport’s history.
1989-1990 Liverpool jersey
The red home jersey is largely identical to the previous season’s, with geometric motifs added to bring some flair and innovation to the Adidas top.
This year would be the last year Liverpool won a title for 30 years. John Barnes, who is widely considered among the elite players to have ever donned the Liverpool jersey, had a season to remember. He was in scintillating form, netting an impressive 28 goals and truly dictating the tempo of many games.
Kenny Dalglish, who held the dual responsibility of being both a player and the manager, steered the club to the summit of the league. Their journey in the FA Cup also looked promising until they faced a heart-breaking 4-3 defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace in the semi-final stage, dashing their hopes of a double.
1990-1991 Liverpool jersey
Even though they managed to reproduce the shirt, replicating their previous success in the rankings proved to be an elusive feat. The team concluded the season in second place, agonizingly close to clinching the championship but ultimately falling short. This year, however, held great significance for Dalglish. Still reeling from the aftermath of the Hillsborough tragedy, he made the decision to announce his retirement in April. In his place stepped Graeme Souness, a former Liverpool captain.
With Souness’s arrival, two young talents made their entrance, who would go on to leave an indelible mark on Liverpool over the next decade. Steve McManaman and Jamie Redknapp were the rising stars. The Liverpool roster of the 90s was truly a legendary one, boasting the presence of some of the club’s most renowned players. Ian Rush, Bruce Gobbelaar, and John Barnes were among those who added to the team’s rich footballing heritage during that era.
1991-1992 Liverpool jersey
In the 1991/92 season, the home jersey crafted by Adidas stood out as one of the most unique and nostalgically styled ones they had ever produced. The signature three stripes were elegantly placed along the shoulder, while the away strip presented a simple yet striking solid green background.
This particular season held a special place in Liverpool’s history as it marked the club’s 100th season. Graeme Souness, in his first full season as the manager, achieved a measure of success. Despite contending with personal health problems, he managed to be present at the FA Cup final, which Liverpool emerged victorious in. Souness also made substantial alterations to the team’s roster. He brought in Dean Saunders to bolster the attacking front and Mark Wright to strengthen the defence, thereby reshaping the team’s dynamics and contributing to their on-field achievements.
1992-1993 Liverpool jersey
The jersey for the 1992/93 season bore a strong resemblance to that of the previous year, with the only significant difference being the change in sponsor to Carlsberg.
This particular shirt was donned by Liverpool players during their inaugural year in the newly formed official Premier League. In their maiden professional season in this league, Liverpool achieved a sixth-place finish. Regrettably, they failed to secure any trophies, which consequently led to their absence from European competitions in the subsequent season. One of the notable events during this period was the signing of David ‘calamity’ James by Liverpool.
1993-1994 Liverpool jersey
After Liverpool endured a difficult year, Graeme Souness returned to the club in January. Roy Evans, who had served as an assistant coach under Bob Paisley for a long time, then took on the role of the team’s full-time manager.
During this season, Robbie Fowler, who was endearingly called ‘God’ by Liverpool fans, made his entry. In his first 13 senior games, Fowler managed to score an impressive 12 goals. This new recruit formed a notable partnership with Ian Rush, Liverpool’s all-time leading goal scorer.
On Liverpool’s 93/94 Adidas jersey, the well-known three stripes were relocated beneath the Carlsberg sponsor and were also present on either side of the shirt. Delicate green accents neatly framed the white and red on the collar, adding a touch of elegance to the design.
1994-1995 Liverpool jersey
In what was Robbie Fowler’s inaugural full season, the teenage sensation truly shone. He netted an impressive 31 goals across all the competitions in which he participated. Liverpool’s performance was also commendable as they climbed to the fourth position in the Premier League standings. This achievement was accompanied by a remarkable feat of winning the League Cup for a record-breaking sixth time, adding a significant milestone to the club’s history.
When it came to the jerseys, the home and away ones bore a striking resemblance to those of the 93/94 season. However, the goalkeeper jersey was a notable exception. It boasted a multi-color pattern that perhaps stirred even more debate and contention than the goalkeeper jersey of the previous season. Its bold and unique design was likely a topic of discussion among fans and players alike, as it deviated from the more traditional styles seen in the other jerseys.
1995-1996 Liverpool jersey
During the 95/96 campaign, Liverpool showed signs of progress, achieving a third-place finish in the league and reaching the runners-up position in the FA Cup. In the FA Cup final, Liverpool faced off against Manchester United. The match was decided by a goal from Eric Cantona, much to Liverpool’s disappointment. Liverpool’s attacking force that season boasted some homegrown talents like Steve McManaman and Robbie Fowler. Robbie Fowler, in particular, had an outstanding season, finishing as the league’s second-highest goal scorer.
This season also signaled the conclusion of an important chapter in Liverpool’s history. Ian Rush played his last game for the club, and in a fitting farewell, he managed to score in that final appearance. Over the course of his career, Rush had amassed an impressive total of 346 goals for Liverpool, a remarkable achievement that left a lasting mark on the club’s record books.
The design of the 95/96 jersey took on a more simplistic approach. The Adidas logo was placed plainly on the chest. Elements such as the Carlsberg sponsorship and the thick-bordered collar were retained from previous seasons. However, the away jersey introduced a checkered pattern, which was a nod to the “green spark” motif, adding a touch of uniqueness to the overall look.
1996-1997 Liverpool jersey
As the New Year’s Day celebrations rang in, Liverpool found themselves atop the league table, and for a significant portion of the season, it seemed as if they would maintain that position. However, Manchester United managed to overtake them, suggesting that Liverpool had let a golden opportunity slip through their fingers.
Robbie Fowler had a remarkable goal-scoring spree, netting 31 goals, yet the team could only manage a fourth-place finish in the league. Among the emerging talents, Michael Owen, a young player with great potential, made his debut during this season. This particular campaign is frequently looked back upon as a missed chance for Liverpool. There was no denying that they boasted one of the strongest squads and forward lines in the league, leading many to believe that they should have clinched the title.
The Liverpool crest on the season’s first collared home shirt was enhanced with a bold white oval, which added a unique and eye-catching element to the design, making each home jersey stand out. The away strip, too, had its own charm. It was a cream-colored jersey with a round collar, and it was also the first year that the Reebok branding was introduced, giving it a distinct identity within the club’s jersey history.
1997-1998 Liverpool jersey
Throughout the entirety of the 97/98 season, Liverpool was very much in the running for the Premier League title. Their performance and form had them vying for the top spot, yet they simply could not overcome Arsenal in the race.
They wore the same home jersey as the previous season, but with a bright yellow and red away jersey that deviated from the usual.
1998-1999 Liverpool jersey
In 1998/99, the home jersey’s Reebok-designed round collar echoed the simple, nostalgic 96/97 away jersey style. Liverpool endured a tough season. With Gerard Houllier and Roy Evans as joint coaches (Evans retired by November), and after losing McManaman to Real Madrid, the club finished seventh and missed out on the UEFA Cup.
1999-2000 Liverpool jersey
During the 1999/00 season, Michael Owen managed to find the back of the net 12 times within 30 appearances for Liverpool. Manager Gerard Houllier was determined to reshape the team and embarked on a rebuilding process. He brought in a total of seven new players, among them Smicer. A significant aspect of this restructuring was the formation of a long-term central defence duo, pairing Henchoz with Sami Hyypia.
Liverpool entered the season with high hopes and was actively competing for the league title. However, as the season progressed, a series of unfortunate incidents occurred. These setbacks ultimately led to the team finishing in fourth place, falling short of their championship aspirations.
In terms of the team’s kit, the home strip remained unchanged from the previous season, maintaining a sense of familiarity for the fans. On the other hand, Liverpool introduced a new away strip. This particular kit was a green color, and it featured a collar that was reminiscent of an iconic and nostalgic style, evoking memories of past seasons and perhaps adding a touch of sentimentality to the team’s appearance on the road.
2000-2001 Liverpool jersey
In the 2000/01 season, the home jersey of the Liverpool team was a solid shade of red. It was designed with a collar, and around the neck, there was a thin white line, adding a subtle yet distinct detail to the overall look.
This particular season proved to be momentous for the Reds. It was their most triumphant campaign in over a decade. Liverpool achieved a remarkable feat by winning three cups consecutively, namely the FA Cup, the League Cup, and the UEFA Cup.
Their league performance was also commendable, as they ended the season in third place. In the FA Cup final, Michael Owen had a standout performance, scoring two goals. One of these goals was truly extraordinary and was later described as a’miracle’ goal, etching his name in the club’s history and becoming a memorable moment for the fans.
2001-2002 Liverpool jersey
For the 2001/02 season, the home jersey design remained unchanged from the prior year. However, there was a significant alteration in the away kits. The yellow away kit was relegated to the third kit position, and in its place, a white away strip with accents of black and yellow was introduced.
After achieving a third-place finish in the league and a remarkable historic treble in the previous season, the Reds entered this campaign with lofty aspirations. This season marked Liverpool’s maiden qualification for the UEFA Champions League in the history of the Premier League. Alas, their journey in the competition was cut short as they were ousted in the quarter-finals.
During a game against Leeds United, an unforeseen situation arose due to Manager Houllier’s illness. As a result, assistant manager Phil Thompson was compelled to step into the breach and take on the managerial responsibilities. Liverpool’s season took a turn after relinquishing their lead in December, and they ultimately concluded the Premier League season in second place.
2002-2003 Liverpool jersey
In the 2002/03 season, the home jersey boasted a contemporary Reebok design. The club’s crest and the Carlsberg logo were positioned at the center of the shirt, just beneath the white lining that encircled the high neckline. The away strip, which was entirely black, was particularly eye-catching. It was accentuated by a red v-line around the collar and was further enhanced by the grey and black sleeves, which added a unique aesthetic to the overall look.
Liverpool’s season had a promising start. After the initial 12 games, they found themselves at the top of the standings, leading Arsenal by four points. However, their fortunes took a turn for the worse. In November, they suffered a 0-1 defeat at Middlesbrough. From that point on, despite only losing a single point in some matches, they plunged into a downward spiral of defeats. This unfortunate run extended to 13 games without a victory. Nevertheless, despite their struggles in the league and ultimately finishing fifth, the Reds managed to salvage the season by winning the League Cup, providing a glimmer of success in what was otherwise a challenging campaign.
2003-2004 Liverpool jersey
For the 2003/04 season, the home jersey design was carried over from the previous year, maintaining a sense of familiarity for the fans. In contrast, the away jersey presented a fresh look. It was a white shirt, with bold red and black lines running down the shoulders, creating a striking visual effect. At the center of the shirt, the Carlsberg emblem was prominently displayed in green, adding a pop of color and brand identity.
As the season concluded, Liverpool secured the fourth position in the Premier League standings. This particular season also marked the end of Gerard Houllier’s tenure as the manager of the club. His departure signaled a new chapter in the club’s history, leaving fans and players alike to reflect on his years in charge and anticipate what the future would hold under new leadership.
2004-2005 Liverpool jersey
In the 2004/05 season, the home jersey bore a resemblance to that of the preceding season, with one notable difference being the absence of the white collar. This alteration gave the jersey a somewhat distinct appearance. Conversely, the away jersey harkened back to a more traditional Liverpool aesthetic. The combination of light yellow, black, and dark green hues blended harmoniously, creating an appealing and recognizable look.
Liverpool’s domestic campaign in the Premier League was not as fruitful as hoped, as they managed only a fifth-place finish. However, their performance in the UEFA Champions League was nothing short of spectacular. Against all odds, they emerged victorious in the final, triumphing over Milan. This remarkable achievement overshadowed their domestic standing and became a defining moment in the club’s history.
Following Gerard Houllier’s departure at the end of the previous season, Rafael Benitez assumed the managerial reins. His arrival brought with it a wave of changes, most notably the influx of several new players. Among these recruits, Xabi Alonso and Luis Garcia stood out, adding fresh talent and depth to the squad. Their contributions would prove crucial in the club’s pursuit of success both domestically and in European competitions.
2005-2006 Liverpool jersey
The home jersey for the 2005/06 season was predominantly red, manufactured by Reebok. The shirt included the Liverpool crest prominently displayed on the chest, along with the Carlsberg sponsor logo.
The away jersey was notably different, featuring a striking white base with red and black accents.
The third jersey for the 2005-06 season is a striking yellow color, which was a departure from the club’s traditional colors.
Liverpool concluded the 2005/06 season in third place on the table, but they were still able to win the FA Cup for the seventh time by defeating West Ham United in the finals on penalties. To no one’s surprise, the all-time favourite, Steven Gerrard, finished the season as Liverpool’s leading goal scorer, with 23 goals.
2006-2007 Liverpool jersey
During the 2006/07 season, Adidas brought back a classic and iconic style. They reintroduced the collar and incorporated the three characteristic stripes along the sleeves, adding a touch of nostalgia and a refreshed look to the jerseys.
Liverpool’s performance in the league saw them finish in third place. They trailed the champions, Chelsea, by a margin of nine points. However, the Reds had a remarkable run in the FA Cup. In a thrilling encounter, they faced off against West Ham United and emerged victorious in a penalty shootout, claiming the FA Cup for the eighth time in the club’s history. This achievement added another glorious chapter to Liverpool’s rich footballing legacy, despite not topping the league standings.
2007-2008 Liverpool jersey
The 2007/08 season proved to be rather fruitful for the Liverpool team. The home strip remained unchanged from the prior season, maintaining a sense of continuity and familiarity. The Reds managed to clinch a spot in the Champions League for the following year by finishing fourth in the league standings. Their performance in the Champions League was also quite remarkable, as they advanced all the way to the semi-finals.
Fernando Torres was the standout performer, exhibiting outstanding form throughout the season. He demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess by netting an impressive 33 goals in all the competitions he participated in, making him a key figure in the team’s success during that campaign.
2008-2009 Liverpool jersey
For the 2008/09 season, the jersey design was carried over from the previous year. However, there were some notable modifications. The collar received an upgrade, and an interesting addition was the incorporation of checkers on the inside of the back of the neck, which added a unique and stylish touch to the overall look of the jersey.
Liverpool’s performance in the league was impressive. They achieved a second-place finish, which was their highest league position since the 01/02 season. This accomplishment was significant for the club and its supporters. Additionally, they managed to secure a double victory over their fierce rivals, Manchester United, winning both encounters.
2009-2010 Liverpool jersey
In the 2009/10 season, the away shirt, with its combination of black, gold, and red tones, seemed to be a fitting match for the club’s star players such as Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, perhaps symbolizing their status and talent on the pitch.
However, the season was far from satisfactory for Liverpool as they could only manage an eighth-place finish in the league standings. Despite the disappointment of their league performance, there was a glimmer of hope for the players. They managed to reach the semi-finals of the Europa League, which provided a sense of achievement and a sign that better things might be on the horizon, giving them something to look forward to and build upon for future campaigns.
2010-2011 Liverpool jersey
During the 2010/11 season, a significant change took place as Liverpool transitioned from having Carlsberg as their sponsor to Standard Chartered. This shift was accompanied by an enhancement of the Adidas home strip that had been used in the previous season, giving it a refreshed and perhaps more refined appearance.
Despite a disappointing start to the season under Roy Hodgson, Liverpool’s manager was eventually replaced by Kenny Dalglish, and the club finished in sixth position in the standings.
2011-2012 Liverpool jersey
In the 2011/12 season, Liverpool’s affinity for black away strips remained unwavering. The players took to the field donning this color, presenting an appearance that was both recognizable and, in many ways, iconic to the club’s supporters.
The season witnessed a unique managerial situation, with Dalglish and Gerrard sharing leadership responsibilities to some extent. However, the club’s performance in the league was somewhat lackluster, as they concluded the season in eighth position. Nevertheless, there were some bright spots, with Luis Suarez emerging as a standout performer. Suarez demonstrated his goal-scoring ability by netting 17 goals throughout all the competitions in which the team participated.
2012-2013 Liverpool jersey
During the 2012-13 season, Liverpool’s crest underwent a transformation, adopting a more streamlined and uncomplicated portrayal of the ‘Liver-bird’. This change was accompanied by a shift in the club’s apparel provider, as Warrior took over from Adidas. The home shirt for the season combined the traditional red with accents of gold, presenting a fresh look. However, the away jersey failed to win the hearts of the supporters, who seemed less than enthused about its design.
With the appointment of Brendan Rodgers as the manager, the team showed some signs of progress, albeit modest. They managed to climb to the sixth position in the league standings by the end of the season. This improvement, while not as significant as some might have hoped, signaled a step in the right direction and set the stage for further development in the seasons to come.
2013-2014 Liverpool jersey
In the 2013/14 season, Liverpool’s home jersey has white details on collar, cuffs, and piping for a clean contrast. The Liverbird crest, Warrior logo, and Standard Chartered branding are on the chest.
The away jersey has a white base with a red and black triangular graphic on the lower half, looking modern.
The third shirt has a bold white and purple diagonal sash, and the collar and cuffs in black and purple to match the design.
Liverpool improved dramatically in the 2013/14 season, and finished second in the league, qualifying for the Champions League for the first time since the 09/10 season. Despite narrowly missing out on their first league victory in 24 years.
2014-2015 Liverpool jersey
The Liverpool 2014/15 home jersey features a modern crew-neck collar and is adorned with the iconic Liverbird crest, the Warrior logo, and the Standard Chartered sponsor branding in white.
The Liverpool 2014/15 away jersey is a striking yellow design that channels the energy and vibrancy of the club’s away supporters. The jersey features a clean yellow base with red accents on the collar, sleeve cuffs, and piping, perfectly embodying Liverpool’s traditional away colors.
Liverpool finished sixth in the league this season, while appearing in the Champions League for the first time since 2009.
2015-2016 Liverpool jersey
This year’s shirt included a new sponsorship from New Balance, and it was worn by new recruits such as Roberto Firmino and Divock Origi.
The Liverpool 2015/16 home jersey features a rich red base with tonal horizontal stripes subtly woven into the fabric, adding depth and texture. The clean design is accentuated by yellow accents, including the embroidered Liverbird crest, New Balance logo, and Standard Chartered sponsor branding.
The Liverpool 2015/16 away jersey features a bold and energetic design in bright white, with striking red accents that highlight the club’s colors.The V-neck collar, outlined in red, adds a touch of sophistication.
The Liverpool 2015/16 third jersey takes on a bold and modern aesthetic with its striking black base, accented by bright red and white details.
Jordan Henderson took over as captain for the first time this season when Steven Gerrard left the club.
2016-2017 Liverpool jersey
Liverpool’s 2016/17 home jersey by New Balance has a deep red base. The classic crew-neck with yellow trim, along with the yellow Liverbird crest, New Balance logo, and Standard Chartered branding, evoke the club’s golden era. A “96” emblem in flames on the back neck honors Hillsborough victims.
The away jersey is dark gray with vivid orange accents, looking sleek and understated.
The third jersey is a bold toxic thunder green with black accents. The black V-neck collar, cuffs, Liverbird crest, New Balance logo, and sponsor branding contrast sharply with the green.
Jurgen Klopp’s first full season in charge was the 16/17 season, and supporters witnessed an immediate difference after finishing fourth in the league. Sadio Mane and Philippe Coutinho both thrived under Klopp’s management.
2017-2018 Liverpool jersey
Liverpool’s 2017/18 home jersey is a deeper red for the 125th anniversary, with a retro design. The white V-neck and cuffs are classic. The Liverbird crest has a “1892 – 2017” gold detail, and the New Balance and Standard Chartered markings are white.
The away jersey is white with teal-green accents, like the 1995/96 kit. It has a green checkered front for a nostalgic, dynamic look.
The third jersey is bright orange with black on the collar, sleeves, and side panels for a modern contrast.
This season saw the arrival of Mohamad Salah, who went on to score 44 goals in total. Despite placing fourth in the league once more, the boys finished second in the Champions League.
2018-2019 Liverpool jersey
Liverpool’s 2018/19 home jersey has a bright red base with vertical pinstripes for a modern look. A polo collar with buttons is refined. The white-embroidered Liverbird crest, New Balance logo, and Standard Chartered branding are present.
The away jersey has a deep purple base and bright orange accents. Subtle details like a faint checkered front give it a futuristic feel.
The 2018 – 2019 third shirt is light grey with red logos and ‘Grey Violet’ sleeves. A retro graphic adorns the front.
This season, Liverpool nearly ended their 29-year-long pursuit of the Premier League title. They achieved a remarkable feat by amassing a record-breaking 97 points. Nevertheless, they managed to claim the Champions League trophy for the sixth time, thus putting an end to a seven-year period without any silverware.
2019-2020 Liverpool jersey
In 2019/20, Liverpool’s home jersey was the classic deep red, with white pinstripes like in 1982 – 83. Made by New Balance, it had a slim crew-neck. The crest and white New Balance logo were on the chest.
The away kit was mainly white with navy accents and had Bob Paisley’s signature inside the neck.
The third kit was a bold phantom black with Tidepool accents and a diagonal pattern. The bright teal logos made it eye-catching.
This season, Liverpool won the league title for the first time since 1990 after winning the Champions League last season, cruising to victory with seven games remaining. They also won the Super Cup and the Club World Cup.
