Fall From Grace Umbro

Fall From Grace Umbro

Whenever we talk about football apparels brands one name always stands out. Old and Gold, Umbro. It is one of the oldest apparel brand in the world of football.

Umbro was founded in 1929 in Greater Manchester, England. It started out as a general sports apparels brand as it was principal sponsor of British summer Olympics team of 1952 games. Then it became a big name in the world of football, it was sponsor of Brazilian team which won the World Cup in 1958.

The 60's and 70's was the golden period in the brands eighty year old history. They sponsored Dennis Law, who was the first footballer sponsored by Umbro.

They were the sponsors of English national team till 1975. They were also sponsoring the mighty Liverpool side of 70's and 80's. They were the biggest name in the industry for major part of pre-millennium era.

In 2007, they were bought by Nike. In a takeover bid of around £285m, Nike bought its rival in a landmark deal. But it was a loss making venture as Nike failed to utilize its resources. Nike sold Umbro to Iconix Brands in 2011.

Umbro nowadays is relegated to the status of an inconsequential brand in the market.