Last update September 6, 2024 by Alberto Llopis
The decade of the 90 marked a before and after in football in many aspects, but one of the most visible changes was the emergence of sponsorships on the teams' shirts. Although advertisements had already begun to appear on the clothing of some clubs in previous decades, it was in the 90 when sponsors reached a new level of importance. Many of the brands that adorned the shirts became synonymous with the clubs, transcending the commercial sphere to become historical symbols of sport.
Then, We review the most iconic sponsorships that marked an era and left an indelible mark on the world of football.
Sponsorships over the years 90 on football shirts
Sharp and Manchester United: El amanecer de los “Red Devils”
One of the most remembered sponsorships of the years 90 It was undoubtedly Sharp's at Manchester United. The Japanese electronic products brand was the main sponsor of the club since 1982 until 2000, but it was in the 90 when this patronage reached its peak. In this decade, United established itself as one of the best teams in Europe, with legendary figures like Eric Cantona, David Beckham y Ryan Giggs, who wore the Sharp logo on their chest while winning titles.
El Manchester United, under the direction of Sir Alex Ferguson, became the dominant team in England, winning multiple Premier Leagues and achieving maximum glory in 1999 con el “Triplete” (Premier League, FA Cup y Champions League). This feat made the Sharp-sponsored shirt become a historical piece., not only for its commercial value, but also for the sporting achievements it represents.
Opel and AC Milan: The symbol of the Rossoneri's dominance
The AC Milan It was another club that in the 90 partnered with a brand that marked an era. Opel, the famous German automobile company, sponsored Milan since 1994 until 2006, and its colors and logos were engraved in the minds of the fans. In those years, Milan became one of the most powerful teams in the world, dominating both Serie A and the Champions League with players of the caliber of Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi and George Weah.
The simple but striking design of the Milan jersey with the Opel logo is a timeless classic. Its black and red color combination along with the sponsorship of the German brand is remembered as one of the most iconic images of European football. 90.
Pirelli and Inter Milan: A Sponsorship that lasted 26 years
Another of the most legendary sponsorships of the 90 It's Pirelli's with Inter Milan. This agreement, that started in 1995 and ended in 2021 after 26 years together. The Italian tire brand became a symbol of identity for Inter, en una era en la que jugadores como Ronaldo “El Fenómeno”, Javier Zanetti and Giuseppe Bergomi shined on the field.
The Inter shirt with the Pirelli logo is one of the most collected and sought after by retro football fans. Its blue and black design, with the brand's iconic white logo, perfectly encapsulates the football aesthetic of the 90. Although the team was not as successful as its rival AC Milan during that decade, The combination of Inter with Pirelli is an image that has endured.
Dreamcast and Arsenal
The Dreamcast sponsorship on Arsenal shirts was another of the most iconic of the late 1990s. 90 and early 2000. Dreamcast, Sega video game console, he associated with the London club between 1999 Y 2002, a period in which Arsenal, directed by Arsène Wenger, began to forge itself as one of the best teams in England.
Although brief, Dreamcast's partnership with Arsenal coincided with a period of success that included the Premier League and FA Cup, with players like Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp wearing the red t-shirt with the console logo. This sponsorship is especially remembered by fans not only for its connection to video games., but also for representing the beginning of a golden era for the club.
Teka and Real Madrid: The Mark of the Galactics
In Spain, one of the most remembered sponsorships of the 90 It's Teka's with Real Madrid. The appliance brand adorned the white t-shirt since 1992 until the year 2001, a period in which Madrid re-emerged in Europe, winning several Champions Leagues. Players like Michel, Butragueño, Hagi, Prosinecki, Zamorano, Laudrup, Raul, Fernando Redondo, Roberto Carlos and Fernando Hierro among many others, They wore this sponsorship while taking the club to the top of European football.
Madrid's white shirt with the Teka logo has become a nostalgic symbol of a successful era for the club, being especially remembered for the historic victory in the Champions League final 1998 against Juventus.
Sony and Juventus
By last, one of the most iconic sponsorships of Italian football in the 90 It was Sony's with Juventus. The Japanese brand sponsored the team between 1995 Y 1998, a period in which Juve won the Champions League in 1996 and multiple Serie A titles.
Players like Alessandro Del Piero, Zinedine Zidane and Edgar Davids among many other talents, They carried the Sony logo at a time when Juventus was feared in Europe and dominated Italian football.. The black and white t-shirt with the Sony logo is a classic piece of retro football fashion.
