See here for definition: http://www.tuscl.net/b.php?AID=67
The FC Barcelona centenary jersey is one of my favorite jerseys of all time, and the moment it arrived in my mailbox, I felt that my life was complete.
My first exposure to the Blaugrana was their demolition of Manchester United during the 94-95 Champions League Group Stage. I was stunned when my best friend told me the score and figured this team had to be pretty good. Little did I know that I had just missed the Dream Team and their first European Cup triumph (1992).
Due to limited TV coverage, the first time I actually saw them play was the 96-97 UEFA Cup Winners Cup Final, a drab game decided by a Ronaldo (the original one, who is not fat and clipped (if you know what I mean)) penalty kick. After his one season with the club, he would go on to Inter. For the next couple of years, ESPN would show a Spanish game on Monday afternoons, which were must viewing for me, and I would reschedule soccer practice so that we could watch the games, with games involving FCB involving mandatory participation.
The 1999-2000 squad had great players, like Rivaldo, Figo, Luis Enrique, and a large Dutch contingent—the de Boer’s, Reiziger, Zenden, Cocu and Kluivert—and a certain Pep Guardiola. That season they finished empty handed, losing the Spanish Super Cup, finishing second in the league, getting crushed 6-0 on aggregate by Atletico
The kit is not a typical FCB jersey with the multiple blue and red/burgundy stripes. Instead it is just half and half (metallic blue and maroon) with navy sleeves, a bold reminder of Joan Gamper’s Swiss influence so many years ago, and was a precursor of the jersey worn during the magical treble season of 08-09. As for the jersey itself, it is lightweight, classy and timeless. I almost never wear this one to play in because I don’t want anything to happen to it.
The club crest and historical markers are simple and understated, and it took me a while to realize that the kit did not have a sponsor. Of course the current hubbub is about the Qatar Foundation, with the club needing an additional revenue stream despite their operational struggle and success on the pitch.
In the end, the strip is not from a memorable season but the jersey itself is one for the ages.
@barcastuff tweeted this link that gives a quick but comprehensive snap shot of FC Barcelona jerseys down the years: http://bit.ly/foHLem
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