Introduction to Retro Marseille Jerseys The Retro Marseille jersey is a tribute to an era that represents the rich history and success of Olympique de Marseille, one of France’s most well-known and supported football clubs. Founded in 1899, Olympique de Marseille, referred to as l’OM for short, carries the city of Marseille’s name and represents […]
The Retro Marseille jersey is a tribute to an era that represents the rich history and success of Olympique de Marseille, one of France’s most well-known and supported football clubs. Founded in 1899, Olympique de Marseille, referred to as l’OM for short, carries the city of Marseille’s name and represents it fiercely on the national and international football stage. This article will delve into the history of the club, recount the changing kit colours and designs, share a bit about the team’s fabled home stadium, and recall significant moments and legendary players throughout the years.
Early in their history, in the 1920s and 1930s, l’OM was already thriving on the national level, winning its first championship title in 1929 and adding two more in the 1930s, including a league and cup double in 1937. L’OM continued its success post-World War II with a few championships and French Cup victories, though it was not until the 1970s, with the appointment of president Bernard Tapie, that l’OM would ultimately join the pantheon of Europe’s best clubs.
Tapie’s tenure at the helm of the club saw an influx of notable star players to the squad, such as Jean-Pierre Papin, Abedi Pelé, and Chris Waddle. This golden era reached its culmination in 1993 when Olympique de Marseille lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy, defeating AC Milan in the final, and becoming the first – and, to this day, the only – French club to achieve this illustrious honour.
Since the triumph in 1993, l’OM has gone on to achieve domestic success, winning multiple league titles and French Cups. The 2000s saw the club consistently competing in European competition, featuring a return to the UEFA Champions League final in 2004, although it ultimately ended in a runner-up finish against Valencia. Today, l’OM remains among France’s top clubs and continuously fights for domestic and European success under their current owner, American business mogul Frank McCourt.
Olympique de Marseille’s colours have always been proudly representative of the city they hail from. The club’s home kit predominantly features immaculate white jerseys with blue trimmings, representing the azure sky over the Mediterranean Sea. The famous white and blue-coloured home kits are recognized across France and Europe, symbolizing the pride and passion associated with the club.
Early versions of the jersey were simple, featuring a classic white base and an attractive shade of blue for the club’s emblem and the trimmings. Various manufacturers, including Adidas, Le Coq Sportif, and Puma, have put their spin on the Marseille kit over the years, managing to retain its traditional essence whilst incorporating modern styles and patterns. Notable variations include a vibrant orange and blue away kit worn during the team’s victorious 1993 Champions League campaign and a sleek gold trimming on their jerseys during the late 1980s and early 1990s, symbolizing the club’s striving for success.
The Retro Marseille jerseys are a testament to the club’s captivating past, eliciting memories of their numerous successes and paying homage to the timeless appeal of classic football kits.
Stade Vélodrome, home to Olympique de Marseille since 1937, is an iconic stadium nestled in the heart of the beautiful Mediterranean city. With a capacity of over 67,000 spectators, it is France’s largest club football stadium and the second largest overall after Stade de France. Its architecture, though renovated to include a unique elliptical roof in 2014, has retained a classic essence that reflects the historical identity of the club.
Stade Vélodrome has not only proven a formidable fortress for Olympique de Marseille, but its raucous, passionate, and vocal fan base is one of the most ardent in European football. The atmosphere generated inside Stade Vélodrome on matchdays is legendary and has been a significant factor in the club’s undeniable home advantage throughout the years. The fan group “Les South Winners” has been a driving force behind the atmosphere at the Vélodrome since 1987, their flamboyant displays of tifos, flags, and banners are an essential part of the identity and culture of the club.
The following is a short list highlighting some of the most famous and beloved players to ever represent Olympique de Marseille:
– Jean-Pierre Papin: Fans consider the talismanic forward as one of the all-time greats for both Marseille and French football, having won the prestigious Ballon d’Or in 1991 and starring in the club’s European triumph in 1993.
– Abedi Pelé: The Ghanaian playmaker was instrumental in Marseille’s 1993 Champions League success, earning his spot among the club’s legendary figures.
– Didier Deschamps: The enigmatic midfielder captained Olympique de Marseille to European glory in 1993 and later returned to manage the team, guiding them to a league title in 2010.
– Fabien Barthez: A mainstay in the French national team throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the eccentric goalkeeper began his career at l’OM and achieved great success with the club, including the 1993 Champions League.
As a bastion of French football history, Olympique de Marseille has evoked pride and prestige throughout the decades, and the Retro Marseille jersey continues to be an ardently cherished symbol that represent the team’s rich past and present success.
