The black armband is an important tradition in soccer. But what does it mean and when has it been used in the past? Find out all you need to know here.
What are black armbands in soccer?
Soccer teams typically use armbands to distinguish their captain from the rest of the players. There is no mandatory color that a captain’s armband needs to be and armbands inscribed with a message or image are also sometimes worn to support a cause or charity. However, players can often be seen wearing a plain black armband on their jerseys too. This is used as a sign of mourning and can be worn by every player on the team, as well as officials.
What is the origin of the black armband?
The black armband finds its origins outside the world of sport. Documented examples of it being used as a symbol of mourning can be traced as far back as the 17th century. It is now widely used in soccer as a mark of respect following the death of important figures or a tragic event.
The black armband in soccer is recognized around the world with teams from the Bundesliga, Premier League, MLS, and beyond all wearing them during games. Often, these games are preceded by a minute’s silence where the football players stand on the soccer field around the center circle.
Typically, players wear black armbands on their right arm to avoid confusing them with the captain’s armband, which is worn on the left. It is not uncommon to see both sets of players wearing the same armbands during a match, though it is not regulation that both teams need to wear one.
When are black armbands worn in soccer?
The black armband in soccer is a respected symbol of solidarity and respect. Domestic and international teams have worn the armband for a number of reasons over the years. These are some examples:
Outbreak of war in the Ukraine
Many Bundesliga clubs showed their solidarity for Ukraine in February 2022 when Russia declared war against the country. At several matches, banners with peace messages were rolled out on the pitch - as well as in the stands - and displays showed demands such as "Stop it, Putin". Peace symbols such as the white dove were lit up and many players wore an armband in the Ukrainian colors of blue and yellow. In some places, players and officials called for donations for Ukraine.
After tragic events
Soccer matches have always been places for communities to come together in solidarity. To reflect this, soccer teams and even entire leagues have united to pay their respects to many tragic events over the years.
Following the terrorist attack in Berlin (2016) all Bundesliga teams observed a minute’s silence prior to their matches, with players in all positions also wearing a black armband. This was done to signify the league’s solidarity with and support for all those affected.
Similarly, following the tragic earthquake in Turkey and Syria on the 6th of February 2023, UEFA confirmed a minute’s silence would be held at all of the following week’s Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League matches, with teams free to wear the black armband in each soccer game.
After the death of important figures
Black armbands are often worn to commemorate the passing of significant figures within the world of soccer and beyond. During the 22/23 season, all premier league teams wore a black armband following the death of Brazil soccer legend, Pelé, and a minute’s silence was observed before each game that week. Similarly, officials across the MLS, NWSL, and USL wore black armbands to mark the passing of respected former referee and national referee coach, Merritt Guthrie, early in the 21/22 season. When Gerd Müller of FC Bayern Munich passed away in 2021, Munich players all wore jerseys with Müller’s name and number on their backs.
The black armband is not exclusive to soccer, meaning many teams have used it to honor the passing of notable figures outside of the sport. AC Milan wore black armbands to commemorate the passing of basketball legend Kobe Bryant in 2020 and in recognition of his lifelong support for the Italy Serie A club.
For special events
Variations of the black armband have also been used to draw attention to significant charitable causes, movements, and events. During the 2018 World Cup qualifier match between Germany and England at Wembley, both teams wore a black armband featuring the image of a poppy. The tribute was in remembrance of members of the armed forces of both nations and, in the words of former FA chief executive Martin Glenn, was “a show of solidarity and unity”.
During the MLS is Back Tournament (2020) and following the death of George Floyd, each participating team donned a black armband featuring their own tribute to the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. At the same time, teams from across the German football leagues, Europe, and beyond wore similar black armbands in an international display of solidarity.
The poignant meaning behind the black armband is recognized around the world and serves as a powerful reminder of the power the sport has to unite us.