FC Zürich, the Swiss football club based in Zurich, introduced a significantly simplified club crest ahead of the 2022/23 season. The updated emblem removed the two lions that had flanked the central roundel, giving the logo a circular outline, and darkened the color palette from light blue to navy, with the outer ring shifting from yellow to gold.[1][2]
Design and History
The crest update was part of a rebranding effort announced in July 2022, with the new logo set to appear on the team’s shirts from the following season.[2] The most visible change was the removal of the two lion supporters that had stood on either side of the central element, which resulted in a rounder, more minimal silhouette.[1] The gold outer ring was also repositioned to sit tightly against the edge of the circle.[3]
The club had dropped the lions on occasion in the past, including on the lion-less 125-year anniversary crest worn during the 2021/22 season.[3] That anniversary emblem was designed by Jordi Enolie, who combined two logos from the club’s 1960-1981 era as references for the commemorative mark.[4]
Meaning and Symbolism
The previous crest, with its blue and white shield flanked by two lions, closely mirrored the coat of arms of the city of Zurich.[5] The lion, known locally as the Zürileu, has appeared as a shield bearer in Zurich heraldry since at least 1490 and has been a symbol of the city since around 1500.[5] The club’s blue and white colors correspond to those of the city and canton of Zurich.[5]
The 2022 redesign drew criticism from some supporters, leading to a fan petition calling for the reintroduction of the lion as a central element in the official logo, citing the animal’s historic place in the city’s coat of arms.[6]
Typography and Design
Commentators described the 2022 crest as having the hallmarks of a modern update, including minimalised styling and a simplified font.[3] The redesign was characterized as a minimalist strategy that broke with the old symbols in favor of a more contemporary look.[2]
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