The holiday season is upon us, and football clubs have once again stocked their online stores with a wide variety of Christmas-inspired knitwear. In previous years, many clubs opted for cheap and cheerful designs, but this year, they have stepped up their game with some genuinely stylish offerings. From tributes to stadiums and cities to classic kit designs, the selection of Christmas sweaters is vast and varied. However, not all sweaters are created equal, and it is essential to separate the ones with true festive style from those that missed the mark. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout designs for Christmas 2023.
Hailing from the fashion capital of the world, Milan’s festive sweater walks the line between stylish and kitsch. The pattern features tinsel and tin soldiers from Tchaikovsky’s classic Christmas ballet “The Nutcracker.” While some designs on the market tend to be garish, Milan’s offering is more refined. It earns a respectable rating of 7 out of 10.
Ajax: Educational and Christmassy
Ajax’s Christmas sweater takes the conventional Fair Isle pattern to new heights by incorporating silhouettes of iconic Amsterdam landmarks. The Royal Palace, De Gooyer windmill, and the Johan Cruyff Arena adorn the sweater, making it both educational and festive. This design also earns a rating of 7 out of 10.
Arsenal: Nostalgic Delight
Christmas sweaters inspired by past kits are a prevalent theme this year, and Arsenal’s nostalgic offering stands out. The design pays homage to the jersey worn by the Invincibles in the 2003-04 season, featuring a festive wreath made from the former sponsor O2’s logo. The attention to detail, such as the Premier League “patches” replacing the lion with a reindeer, is impressive. This sweater receives a solid rating of 8 out of 10.
Barcelona: Playful and Goofy
Barcelona’s best Christmas sweater features a goofy reindeer with blaugrana antlers rendered in 8-bit style. The addition of a little chap wearing knee-high Barça socks adds to the playful nature of the design, making it a delightful choice. This sweater also earns a rating of 8 out of 10.
Bayern Munich’s Christmas sweater takes an over-the-top patchwork approach, incorporating various elements such as the club crest, motto, Munich town hall, training ground, stars, snowflakes, and even the Bavarian Alps. The design is visually striking and earns a perfect rating of 10 out of 10. However, Harry Kane’s plain navy alternative pales in comparison to Raphaël Guerreiro’s modeling of the prime product.
Dortmund: Embracing the Festive Spirit
Known for their lavish Christmas wear, Dortmund’s 2023 design incorporates every conceivable seasonal garland. From gingerbread to holly, tannenbaums, and candy canes, this sweater embraces the festive spirit fully. In their trademark black and yellow, it earns a solid rating of 7 out of 10.
Chelsea: Routine Knitted Pattern
In contrast to their ’90s-inspired kits this season, Chelsea’s Christmas sweater features a relatively routine knitted pattern. While it includes elements of the club crest along with reindeer, trees, and snowflakes, it lacks the wow factor of some other designs. This sweater receives a rating of 6 out of 10.
England: A Patchwork of Nostalgia
England fans, with no fixtures until March next year, can find solace in a smart Christmas jumper. The design incorporates swatches of past kits, creating a charming patchwork effect. This sweater holds promise and could even be worn during a friendly match against Brazil in a few months’ time. It earns a rating of 7 out of 10.
Everton: Belter of a Christmas Jumper
Despite facing a deduction of 10 points by the Premier League, Everton has provided their fans with a standout Christmas jumper. The quarter-zip fleece features detailed reindeer, the club crest, and a Nordic ski scene with cable cars. With its attention to detail, this sweater earns a strong rating of 8 out of 10.
FIFA: An Unnecessary Addition
As the most un-Christmassy entity, FIFA’s decision to produce an official Christmas jumper is puzzling. The design is smart, and one could even wear it outside of the house, overlooking the large FIFA logo on the sleeve. However, the lack of personal connection with loved ones while wearing it is a downside. This sweater receives a rating of 6 out of 10.
Inter Milan: Adding a Symbolic Touch
Inter Milan’s Christmas sweater incorporates a blue serpent, symbolizing the city of Milan. While the design is a standard item of Nerazzuri knitwear, the significance of the serpent adds a touch of symbolism. It earns a rating of 6 out of 10.
Juventus: A Missed Opportunity
Despite sporting an eyesore of a crest, Juventus misses the mark with their Christmas sweater. The white crewneck sweatshirt features a black jacquard star pattern, lacking the creativity and festive spirit found in other designs. It receives a rating of 5 out of 10.
Liverpool: Simple and Understated
Liverpool’s Christmas sweater showcases a straightforward Fair Isle pattern in their signature red. The incorporation of the club crest adds a personalized touch without veering into “ugly sweater” territory. This design earns a rating of 6 out of 10.
Manchester City: Classic Kit Inspiration
Manchester City’s Christmas sweater draws inspiration from their 1989-90 kit, complete with an icicle-esque chevron pattern. Decorative fir trees and Santa replace the name of a former sponsor, Brother, across the torso. This sweater receives a solid rating of 7 out of 10.
Manchester United: Less is More
Among Manchester United’s festive attire, the Christmassy sweater stands out by adopting a “less is more” approach. With subtle fir trees, Santa’s sleigh, and large snowflakes, it strikes a balance between simplistic and festive. The sweater’s design cleverly incorporates the club’s name while remaining understated. It receives a rating of 7 out of 10.
Napoli: Lackluster Design
Napoli’s Christmas sweater, designed by Emporio Armani, disappoints with its lackluster design. As champions of Italy, one would expect a more vibrant and exciting design. Unfortunately, this one falls short, earning a rating of 6 out of 10.
Nottingham Forest: A Trip Down Memory Lane
Nottingham Forest fans could use some festive cheer, and the club offers a couple of retro-inspired designs. The Yuletide version of the 1995-97 away kit, known as the “yellow vomit” shirt, is one that catches the eye. Though its nickname may not be the most appetizing, the design appeals to those seeking a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It receives a rating of