Top 10 football teams that play in red: England’s biggest derby and the surprise behind Arsenal’s colour change

No other color gathers as many powerful collectives or commands as much respect as red. From an aesthetic standpoint, red is the perfect hue to ensure a club stands out under the stadium floodlights, projecting an image of strength and dominance. 

Beyond mere appearance, the color serves as a psychological manifesto, representing a "blood-and-thunders" fighting spirit and an iron will to overcome any obstacle. Every elite club aims to "burn down" their opposition’s defenses, and frankly, most opponents would prefer to avoid facing the 10 legendary football teams that play in red featured in this Livescorecz analysis.

Ranking the top 10 football teams that play in red

10. CR Flamengo

Established in 1895 as a rowing club, CR Flamengo is now 131 years old and stands as a titan of Brazilian football. While they originally wore a "Papagaio de Vintém" (4-squared checkered) shirt of red and black, they transitioned to their iconic thick red and black horizontal stripes shortly after.

 The decision was rooted in the desire to represent the rowing club’s colors on the pitch. In the 2019 and 2022 seasons, their kits reached peak aesthetic acclaim, featuring thin serrated lines that symbolized the "vulture" (Urubu) mascot’s ferocity. Their playstyle, much like the vibrant red on their crest, is attacking and flamboyant. With over 31 Rio State titles and multiple Copa Libertadores trophies, Flamengo’s 2019 season under Jorge Jesus remains legendary. 

9. AFC Ajax

Founded in 1900, the 126-year-old Amsterdam giants are synonymous with the vertical red block on a white canvas. Interestingly, Ajax originally wore all-black with a red sash, but upon promotion to the top flight in 1911, they were forced to change because Sparta Rotterdam wore the same colors. 

They chose the iconic red stripe to honor the flag of Amsterdam. The 1971-1973 "Total Football" era saw their most impressive kits, clean, simple, and terrifyingly efficient. This philosophy of fluid movement perfectly mirrors the "living" nature of the color red. With 4 Champions League titles and 36 Eredivisie trophies, they hold the record for Dutch dominance. 

8. Al Ahly SC

Born in 1907 out of a spirit of Egyptian patriotism, Al Ahly have worn red since 1911, a choice made by Mohamed Sherif Sabri Bek to reflect the Egyptian flag of that era. Before this, they utilized various student-related colors, but the shift to red was a political statement of independence. Their 2005/06 kit is considered their pinnacle, coinciding with a record-breaking unbeaten run. 

Under manager Manuel José, they secured the CAF Champions League with stars like Mohamed Aboutrika, who provided double-digit assists and goals in a single campaign. As of 2025/26, the "Club of the Century" is competing in the Egyptian Premier League, maintaining their status as Africa’s most decorated club with over 140 trophies.

7. SL Benfica

Lisbon’s Benfica has donned the red shirt for 121 years. The color was chosen by the club’s founders to represent bravery. In their early days, before the 1908 merger that formed the current club, different variations of red were tested, but the "Rouge" we see today became the permanent standard. 

Their 1961/62 kits, worn during back-to-back European Cup wins, are the most celebrated. Their philosophy is built on "Mística", a mystical soul and relentless energy. Legendary Eusebio once scored 47 goals in a season during their 1960s golden era.

6. AC Milan

Founded in 1899 by Herbert Kilpin, the 127-year-old AC Milan chose red to represent the "devils" they would be and black to represent the fear they would strike into opponents. This aesthetic has remained remarkably consistent. Their 1988-1990 kit, featuring the Mediolanum sponsor, is hailed as a masterpiece of football fashion. 

Under Arrigo Sacchi, Milan won consecutive European Cups with the Dutch trio of Gullit, Van Basten, and Rijkaard. Van Basten’s 1992 season, where he scored 25 goals in 31 games, remains a benchmark.

5. Arsenal

Arsenal wear red because of a charitable donation of kits from Nottingham Forest in their early years. Originally a dark "currant" red, the club transitioned to the bright red with white sleeves in 1933, a decision made by the legendary Herbert Chapman to help players spot each other more easily. 

The "Invincibles" kit of 2003/04 is their most iconic, symbolizing a season of 0 defeats. In 2025/26, Mikel Arteta’s squad is a primary challenger for the Premier League title, playing a high-energy, modern style.

4. Bayern Munich

The 126-year-old Bavarian club was established in 1900. While they initially wore white and blue, they adopted red and white in 1906 after merging with Münchner SC. However, it wasn't until the 1970s that the "all-red" look became their primary identity. The 2013 treble-winning kit is their most fondly remembered, featuring subtle gold accents. Their "Mia San Mia" (We are who we are) philosophy aligns with the arrogance and power of red. 

3. Nottingham Forest

Founded in 1865, the 161-year-old club is the oldest in this list. They chose "Garibaldi Red" in honor of the Italian freedom fighter Giuseppe Garibaldi. This decision influenced many other clubs, including Arsenal. Their 1978-1980 kits are legendary, representing the period when Brian Clough led them to 2 consecutive European Cups. During that run, Trevor Francis became the first million-pound player, scoring the winner in the 1979 final. 

2. Manchester United

Man United wore green and gold originally but switched to red, white, and black in 1902 during a financial restructuring. The name "Red Devils" was adopted by Sir Matt Busby in the 1960s to sound more intimidating. The 1998/99 Treble kit, with its zip-up collar, remains their most iconic. Under Sir Alex Ferguson, United won 13 Premier League titles.

1. Liverpool

The 134-year-old Liverpool originally wore blue and white. In 1896 they moved to red shirts, but it was Bill Shankly in 1964 who decided on the "all-red" kit to make the players look "taller and more intimidating." The 1983/84 pinstripe kit is often cited as their aesthetic peak, a year they won the European Cup, League, and League Cup. 

Under Jurgen Klopp, the "Heavy Metal" football style perfectly matched the intensity of their kits. In 2025/26, with Arne Slot., Liverpool remains a global powerhouse and commits as one of the greatest clubs in England.

The 10 greatest red football teams in history:

Liverpool 

Manchester United 

Nottingham Forest 

Bayern Munich 

Arsenal

AC Milan

SL Benfica

Al Ahly SC

AFC Ajax 

CR Flamengo

The ranking of the most famous red clubs in history provided by Livescorecz.net reveals a world of fierce competition and fiery passion. Each of these football teams that play in red has contributed a unique shade of greatness to the sport. Which red in the list above made you fall in love with the beautiful game, and which do you believe is the greatest in history?

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