The Story of Anderlecht’s Kits
Founded in 1908, Royal Sporting Club Anderlecht are synonymous with purple and white — one of the most distinctive and prestigious colour combinations in European football. Originally wearing green and white, the club adopted purple permanently in 1910, symbolising ambition, nobility, and pride.
That purple identity — Les Mauves et Blancs — has remained constant for more than a century, making Anderlecht’s kits instantly recognisable from Brussels to European stadiums across the continent.
Kit Evolution and Brand Heritage
Anderlecht’s early shirts featured simple purple jerseys with white shorts, but as football modernised, the designs became cleaner and more refined. Over the decades, major manufacturers like Adidas, Nike, Puma, Le Coq Sportif, and Joma have shaped the club’s visual legacy.
Adidas’s long association with the club from the 1970s through the 1990s helped establish the club’s modern look — minimalist, elegant, and proudly European. Recent Joma designs have carried that tradition forward, often introducing subtle purple patterns or heritage-inspired trims.
Away shirts typically feature white, grey, or even deep lilac, maintaining the club’s sophisticated style palette.
Famous Anderlecht Shirts
-
1976 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup Shirt – worn as Anderlecht captured their first major European title, establishing them as continental giants.
-
1982/83 Home Shirt – from their UEFA Cup-winning campaign, one of the most successful seasons in Belgian football history.
-
1993/94 Home Shirt – remembered for Champions League nights and domestic dominance.
2020/21 Retro-Inspired Shirt – blending vintage detailing with modern tailoring, celebrating over 100 years of club history.
Little-Known Facts About Anderlecht Kits
-
Purple symbolism: The colour purple was chosen to symbolise ambition and nobility — qualities the founders associated with their vision for the club.
-
Royal status: The “Royal” prefix was granted in 1933, and the crown has featured in the crest ever since.
-
First sponsor: One of Belgium’s earliest shirt sponsors appeared on Anderlecht’s kits in the 1970s, marking a new era in football marketing.
-
European prestige: Anderlecht’s 1980s kits with Ginder Ale and Panasonic sponsors became cult classics across Europe.
-
Purple consistency: The club have never permanently changed their primary colour, making them one of Europe’s most visually consistent teams.
-
Youth connection: The club’s academy, home to stars like Vincent Kompany and Romelu Lukaku, has its own custom kit range inspired by the first team’s purple and white design.
Belgian exclusivity: Anderlecht are one of only a few clubs in Belgium to have fully bespoke kits each season — never off-the-shelf templates.
Our Range and Personalisation Options
At UK Soccer Shop, you’ll find the full Anderlecht collection — official home, away, and third shirts, plus retro classics and training wear. Every jersey is 100% authentic, featuring the official crest, sponsor, and manufacturer detailing.
Personalisation is available on most designs, allowing you to add your name or that of club legends such as Paul Van Himst, Enzo Scifo, or Vincent Kompany.
For fans of European football heritage, explore related categories:
Why Anderlecht Shirts Stand Out
Anderlecht’s purple-and-white shirts are a symbol of style, tradition, and excellence. They reflect not just a football club but a cultural identity rooted in pride, elegance, and success. Whether you’re adding a retro European classic or the latest modern release, a RSC Anderlecht shirt is a timeless addition to any football collection.