The impact the adidas Trefoil has had on football culture is unmatched, becoming an iconic piece of some of the most ground-breaking kits and moments in history. With adidas recently showing club kits some Trefoil love, after 30 years since its retirement to lifestyle pieces, we are here appreciating just how clean it looked on the international stage.
The Trefoil was introduced by adidas in 1971, marking its expansion beyond footwear and into apparel and accessories – including football kits. Only a few years later, the Trefoil made its debut onto the biggest stage in football at the 1974 World Cup, introducing itself to the world of football. The three-leaf design represents diversity, growth, and the global influence of adidas. The iconic logo went on to feature on some of the cleanest shirts in international history, until slowly fading out of adidas kits in the 90’s when the ‘Three Stripe’ logo we all know was introduced. It has now been absent from a national kit since 1993.
Fast forward to 2025 and adidas are celebrating 75 years of the brand by bringing back the esteemed trefoil that we know and love – not only with a nod to its status in the history of football, but also in recognition of the increasing role fashion plays in the contemporary game. Adidas reintroduced the Trefoil onto the third shirts of their five biggest European clubs, including Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. Since then, the iconic logo has been making appearances on special edition and anniversary shirts, and finally onto a International team kit for Colombia’s Centenary kit late last year –the first time since '93.
All this build up is looking like the 2026 World Cup will be the Trefoil's big comeback, where hopefully we will see all adidas kits donning the iconic badge. Give the fans what they wanna see.
We are looking back at some of the cleanest Trefoil appearances on International kits over the years, those stand-out eye candies that have gifted us legendary moments in the beautiful game. Believe me, its hard narrowing it down to just a few...
France Home - 1984
The French kit looks so right with a Trefoil badge, especially worn by the icon Michel Platini. Platini lead France to their first ever major international trophy, with nine goals in five matches on his home turf at the 1984 European Championship. A year to remember for French fans, a beautiful tournament played in a beauty of a kit.
Belgium Away - 1984
Not quite the same success as France during '84 for Belgium, with a rather underwhelming tournament. However that cannot take away from the kits adidas provided for the National team. Both home and away shirts featured a unique diamond design across the chest, stamped with the National crest as the centre piece.
Mexico Home and Away - 1985/86
The definition of simple but effective. Both home and away kits fashion the traditional green and white of Mexico in an effortless design. Topped off with a vintage collar, piling on the class and charm of this kit.
Netherlands Home - 1988
A star-studded Netherlands team lifted their first major trophy after beating Soviet Union 2-0 in the European Championship final. The likes of Gullit, Van Basten, and Ronald Koeman showcased incredible performances whilst wearing a kit for the ages. One of the best Trefoil features to ever grace a kit, this design is effortlessly class and still a favourite to this day. What we'd do to see future Adi kits take inspiration from this.
West Germany Home - 1988
The Germans and adidas have always had a great bond and this kit was the epitome of that. Taking a traditional shirt of the 80's and painting it with a unique design fashioned in the traditional colours of the German flag. And, of course, the Trefoil perfectly sitting amongst the design.
Cameroon Home - 1990
The emergence of Cameroon. Cameroon entered the World cup 1990 as complete underdogs, causing a shock defeat for reigning champions Argentina in the first game of the tournament. They went on to reach the quarter finals of the tournament, before narrowly facing defeat to England.
USA Away - 1990
Although the team did not see great success this yeaar, i think its fair to say they looked great on the pitch. A unique design by adidas put the USA players in one of the cleanest Trefoil looks in history.
Colombia Home and Away - 1990
Now this is a Trefoil kit done right. 10/10. No notes.
Nigeria Home - 1992
Another iconic kit by adi, modelling a unique design unlike ones of the past. The Trefoil sees a transfer to the other side of the shirt, with a bold 'Nigeria' in print across the face of the shirt. This kit goes into our hall of fame of International Trefoil kits, posing ahead of its time and bringing an innovative new look to the international stage.
Portugal Home - 1992
The iconic trefoil makes a big move during this year, where adidas mix it up and stamp the logo onto the collar rather than the chest. Portugal 1992 European Championship kit is one of the best examples of this – a young Luis Figo donning an all red base, with green and yellow shades appearing on the sleeves and collar.
Argentina Home - 1993
A country with a rich history of both trophies and iconic kits. Nothing crazy about this one, just the simple blue and white stripes of La Albiceleste modelled by some of the greatest players to ever play the game. This is one of the last appearances of the Trefoil before its replacement of the Three Stripes logo took its place.
Colombia Special Centenary Kit - 2024
The Trefoil is back. After 30 years, the legendary logo makes its return to the international stage. With adidas first revealing the return of the Trefoil on third shirts for big europeon clubs at the beginning of the season, we were all praying for International teams to be next. Prayers were answered with a special Centenary kit for Colombia, worn during the international break in October. It makes a subtle reappearance, camouflaged onto an all white kit featuring one strip of colour across the middle of the shirt.
Argentina 50th anniversary with adidas kit - 2024
Argentina are no strangers to the Trefoil. Making features in the 70's and 90's, the Trefoil makes its comeback onto the Argentina national shirt after 30 years retirement. It looks as good as ever.
Watch this space to find out if adidas tease us with any more Trefoil returns on International kits
