Football jerseys are known for featuring sponsors from big brands, but sometimes, the companies behind those logos can be downright surprising. In this article, we dive into 7 of the weirdest football jersey sponsors that left fans scratching their heads. From quirky businesses to unexpected partnerships, these sponsorships were anything but ordinary. Prepare to be amazed (and maybe even a little amused) by some of the most bizarre names to ever grace the front of a football kit!
1. Getafe – Burger King (2009-10)
The inside of Getafe’s jersey featured the face of Burger King’s mascot. Players could lift their shirts over their heads to reveal the King’s face, making goal celebrations extra weird.
One of the most surprising sponsorships in football came when Getafe CF, a football club based in Madrid, teamed up with Burger King. Known for their bold advertising campaigns, Burger King decided to sponsor the Spanish club, placing their logo prominently on Getafe's jerseys. What made this partnership stand out was the humorous and playful nature of the brand, which contrasted with the traditional, serious nature of sports sponsorships. Fans were amused by the fast-food giant’s presence on the team’s kit, and the sponsorship even sparked a bit of rivalry with their competitors, McDonald’s, drawing attention from both football fans and food lovers alike. It was a quirky yet memorable collaboration that certainly broke away from the norm!
2. Scarborough – Black Death Vodka (1990s)
A club already struggling financially thought it was a good idea to have "Black Death Vodka" on their kits. The town of Scarborough became associated with Black Death Vodka, a brand with a strikingly dark and edgy name. This partnership was particularly unusual because the vodka brand, which plays off the historical image of the Black Death plague, teamed up with the local football team. The sponsorship raised eyebrows due to the brand's controversial and somewhat ominous name, which contrasts sharply with the more wholesome image usually associated with community football clubs. The unexpected collaboration sparked plenty of debate, blending local pride with a product that drew both curiosity and criticism.
3. Rayo Vallecano – Sex Museum (2003-04)
In an unexpected and rather cheeky partnership, the renowned Sex Museum in Amsterdam became a sponsor for Rayo Vallecano, a football club based in Madrid, Spain. This sponsorship raised many eyebrows, as it was the first time a museum dedicated to human sexuality appeared on the front of a professional football jersey. The collaboration highlighted the unconventional nature of both the museum and the club, blending the worlds of art, history, and sports in a bold and controversial way. Fans and the media couldn't help but laugh at the unorthodox pairing, making it one of the most talked-about sponsorships in football history.
4. West Bromwich Albion – No Smoking (1985-86)
Sponsored by an anti-smoking campaign, West Brom wore "No Smoking" on their jerseys despite being backed by a cigarette company.
In a unique and somewhat ironic sponsorship deal, West Bromwich Albion, a football club in the UK, teamed up with the No Smoking campaign. The logo, which was a symbol of anti-smoking efforts, appeared on the team’s shirts during a period when smoking was still a prevalent issue in society. The partnership was seen as a creative way to combine sports and public health awareness, but it was also a bit of a head-scratcher for some. The notion of a sports teams proudly displaying a "No Smoking" logo on their jerseys raised eyebrows, considering the image of football and its players, who were often seen with cigarette advertising and sponsorships in the past. The West Midlands Health Organization paid for the symbol, and it stayed there for two years between 1984 and 1986. Nonetheless, it became one of the most memorable and unusual sponsorships in football history.
5. Grenoble – Pornhub (2015, Rejected)
In one of the most surprising and controversial football jersey sponsorships, Grenoble Foot 38, a French football club, partnered with the adult entertainment website Pornhub. The deal saw the site's logo prominently displayed on the club's shirts, which sparked a massive reaction from both fans and the media. The sponsorship was bold and provocative, generating plenty of headlines and social media buzz. While some found the partnership amusing and bold, others criticized it for being inappropriate and controversial. It was an unusual move that certainly blurred the lines between sports and adult entertainment, making it one of the most talked-about and debated sponsorships in football history.
6. Ebbw Vale – Hotpoint (1997-98)
A tiny Welsh club being sponsored by an appliance brand like Hotpoint just seemed out of place.
The sponsorship between Ebbw Vale FC, a Welsh football club, and Hotpoint, the popular home appliance brand, stands out as one of the more unexpected pairings in football history. What makes this sponsorship so unusual is the fact that Hotpoint, a brand primarily associated with washing machines and kitchen appliances, decided to put its logo on the shirts of a local football team. The collaboration seemed quirky, as it's not typical to see a household appliance brand backing a football club. It also drew attention for the contrast between the brand's image of everyday household products and the exciting world of professional sports. Despite the unusual fit, it became a memorable and lighthearted chapter in football sponsorship history.
7. AC Milan – Pooh Jeans (1981-82)
No relation to Winnie the Pooh, but the brand’s name on the famous Milan shirt looked ridiculous.
In one of the more bizarre football sponsorships, AC Milan, one of the most prestigious clubs in Italy, partnered with Pooh Jeans, an Italian denim brand. The logo of this relatively unknown clothing company appeared on the legendary club’s shirts during the early 1990s. What made this sponsorship so strange was the contrast between AC Milan’s global, high-profile image and the low-key, niche appeal of the Pooh Jeans brand. Fans and media were intrigued by the unconventional nature of the deal, especially since it involved a brand that didn’t have the same worldwide recognition as other sponsors typically seen on top-tier football shirts. This odd pairing remains one of the most memorable and talked-about sponsorships in the history of football.
In the world of football, sponsorships are typically associated with well-known global brands, but these bizarre and unexpected partnerships prove that anything can happen. From quirky local businesses to controversial adult websites, these unusual sponsors have certainly made their mark on the football jersey landscape. While some left fans scratching their heads, others added a bit of humor and intrigue to the sport. Regardless of how strange they were, these sponsorships serve as a reminder that the world of football is full of surprises—and it’s always possible to expect the unexpected!
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