In the world of football, team clothing is more than just an identity symbol – it’s a reflection of the culture and history of each club. Year after year, the presentation of each team’s shirt is an emblematic act for fans. However, sometimes the design presented by some entities doesn’t have a good reception from the club’s followers. This was the case with the infamous “Kétchup” shirt of Athletic Club of Bilbao, which was presented in the summer of 2004 and caused a stir among the fans.
The previous season, the Bilbao team had secured a spot in the UEFA competition under the guidance of Ernesto Valverde, finishing fifth. The team’s management decided to order a special shirt for the European competition and commissioned artist Darío Urzay for the task. Urzay broke with the traditional concept of the rojiblancas stripes and instead designed a shirt with a series of paint spots on a white background. The shirt was quickly dubbed the “ketchup” shirt, and it’s safe to say it didn’t exactly win over the fans.
A risky decision
The “ketchup” shirt was criticized by fans from the moment it was launched, and it’s not hard to see why. The design was a radical departure from the team’s traditional look, and it’s clear that the fans weren’t ready for such a drastic change. The shirt was only used once, in a match against Groningen in Holland, which Bilbao lost 3-2, with goals from Urzaiz and Joseba Etxeberria. After that match, the shirt was never used again.
In an interview with Cadena Ser, Darío Urzay remembered the intense days surrounding the shirt’s release, saying, “I did what I should do and allowed me to meet interesting people.” When asked if he would design the same shirt again if given the chance, he replied, “The same, no. I would do something else. I have had proposals to make a reissue, but I said no. It was what it was and will end up being one of the most expensive shirts in football history.” Today, the shirt is on display at the Artium in Vitoria, a reminder of a risky design decision that didn’t quite pay off.
The “ketchup” shirt may not have been a hit with fans, but it’s undeniable that it’s become a part of Athletic Club’s history. Love it or hate it, the shirt is a unique and memorable part of the team’s legacy, and its infamous design continues to spark conversation among fans to this day.