For the very first post on this site, I wanted to introduce some of my favorite teams to watch. The serious fans might get a chuckle from the premise of this article–choosing a team for its color–but I hope it helps newcomers or casual fans find a team they like in an accessible way! For each color there will be three categories: 1) the bandwagon (serial champions, already hugely successful), 2) the standard option (still a big club, little less successful than the bandwagons), and 3) the underdogs (fewer resources, might lose a bit, but that only makes them more interesting!). The more unusual colors might have fewer options because there aren’t as many teams with kits in that hue. Choose wisely…
Red
The Bandwagon Option: Bayern Munich
Where to watch: ESPN+
Bayern Munich are the definition of serial winners. The club from Bavaria have won the last 8 Bundesliga titles and the 2020 edition of the UEFA Champions League (a continental competition between Europe’s top teams). Bayern Munich are essentially the New England Patriots of German soccer. Needless to say, unless you’re from the southern province of Germany, supporting Bayern will make you seem like a bit of an asshole. However, if you like winning and you want to see your favorite team dominate their opposition for fun, this team could be perfect for you. Munich is the home of Oktoberfest and Bayern Munich players traditionally don Lederhosen every year in support of the festival. If the color red and the countless titles aren’t enough for you, maybe the beer and pretzels will be?
The Standard Option: AC Milan
Where to watch: ESPN+
The 37 year old forward and legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the current main attraction to this club with a rich history and little recent success. When Zlatan arrived at the club from the LA Galaxy, the Italian sleeping giants woke up like they’d been doused with ice water. The team used to be the home of legends like Kaka and Ronaldinho, but a crop of young talent including Italian keeper Gianluigi Donnaruma (21), pacy fullback Theo Hernandez (23), and the reliable midfielder Franck Kessie (24) have made the club one of Italy’s best this season. They currently sit in first in Serie A, one point ahead of city rivals (and typical blue nemesis of the red team) Inter Milan. This team has a bright future with an average age of only 25, and it would be smart to start supporting now before AC Milan joins the bandwagon ranks.
The Underdog: FC Union Berlin
Where to watch: ESPN+
Union Berlin is the niche option that will make you 10x cooler than the typical fan of German soccer. This club is known for having very passionate fans and an old fashioned stadium. In only their second season in the Bundesliga, Union are challenging for European football. The side is strong defensively, and the shrewd acquisition of German Forward Max Kruse gives them a much-needed creative spark. Progressive fans will like that the club is known for being a working-class favorite. The team also has limited police presence at games due to agreements between fans and the club. FC Union have had very little success in terms of trophies, yet they are entertaining to watch, often punching well above their weight. Their last major trophy came back in 1968 when they won the East German Cup and competed in the DDR Oberliga, as they are located in what was formerly East Berlin. Union Berlin also have a young American prodigy, 16 year-old Malick Sanogo, in their Academy. Most importantly, Union’s jerseys are the brightest red on this list!
Blue
Bandwagon Option: Chelsea
Where to watch: NBC, NBC Sports, Peacock Premium
Chelsea are big spenders, financed by Russian Oil Tycoon, Roman Abramovich. The club spent around 300 million on transfers during the last summer window, bringing in stars like Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, and Kai Havertz. The club is underperforming this season, but their recent successes and insane spending qualified them for a bandwagon spot. The best American player at the moment, Christian Pulisic, wears the no. 10 shirt for Chelsea (a number reserved for one of a clubs best playmakers). My mom chose to become a Chelsea fan after falling in love with their blue home jerseys, inspiring this article. So the London club is not a bad choice at all.
Standard Option: Inter Milan
Where to watch: ESPN+
Managed by the legendary Antonio Conte, the rivals to aforementioned AC Milan are great to watch. Prolific forwards Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez bring the firepower to the traditional Italian powerhouse, while wing-back Achraf Hakimi provides pace and flair from the right side of the field. The team sport black and blue stripes opposite to the black and red of their rivals. The 18 time Italian champions seem to always contend for the Serie A title, but have lost out in recent years to Italy’s most hated club, Juventus. (Below are Milan Skriniar and Romelu Lukaku of Inter on the Left, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic of AC Milan on the right)
Underdog Option: Hertha Berlin
Where to watch: ESPN+
Another red-blue city rivalry for this guide, Hertha Berlin are more established than Union Berlin but still won’t win too many games. Despite recent investment aiming to make Hertha a “big city club,” the team from West Berlin sit in 14th place, only 3 points above the relegation zone. However, the team plays in the breathtaking Olympiastadion and has some real entertainers in strikers Matheus Cunha and Dodi Lukebakio. Both players are personal favorites of mine, and can make special moments out of even the bleakest opportunities. If you like the idea of supporting a Berlin-based team but want a more cosmopolitan choice with a little more flair, Hertha BSC are a solid pick.
Light Blue
Bandwagon Option: Manchester City
Where to watch: NBC, NBC Sports, Peacock Premium
The Cityzens are big spenders and constantly contenders in England’s renowned Premier League. Coach Pep Guardiola has implemented a possession and passing oriented style that has led Manchester City to become one of the best teams in Europe. If you want firepower, this is the team for you. Big names such as Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, and Sergio Aguero make up only a fraction of City’s potent attack. Meanwhile, the signing of defender Ruben Dias has made City look more solid defensively over the last few months. The baby blue jerseys are usually top notch and City are not a popular choice for US fans, which might attract you to this impressive club.
Standard Option: Lazio
Where to watch: ESPN+
The club from Rome look a good mid-table side this season. And the light blue is definitely appealing. Ciro Immobile scored more than any forward in Europe last year. The Italian striker has kept up his red hot form, scoring 9 times in 12 appearances this season. Definitely a team to watch, albeit mostly for Immobile.
Yellow
Your Only Option: Borussia Dortmund
Where to watch: ESPN+
Your favorite color is yellow. So you are required by law to pick Borussia Dortmund. The German side have a group of fans that call themselves “the Yellow Wall” (pictured below) and their jerseys are bright yellow. Soccer-wise, the club has a host of hype due to young talents including Erling Haaland, Jadon Sancho, and American Gio Reyna. The team are like Bayern Munich’s little brother, finishing runner up to the Bavarians in their last two seasons. Don’t be mistaken, despite recently firing their manager and installing interim coach Edin Terzic, Dortmund are title contenders. The club plays a fun to watch system that emphasizes pressing, counter-pressing, and scoring plenty of goals. Developing young players is another key part of Dormund’s philosophy, and many of the best players in world football (including American Christian Pulisic) spent time in Dortmund’s academy. You can’t go wrong with the “black and yellow”.
Underdog Option: Wolverhampton Wanderers
Where to watch: NBC, NBC Sports, Peacock Premium
OK fine. You wanted another option so here you go. Wolves are a decent side with a good manager and countless Portuguese Players. They also have American youngster Owen Otasowie. Decent side to watch but have been a bit flat since star striker Raul Jimenez fractured his skull this season, putting his playing career in jeopardy. If your favorite color is yellow, I’m surprised you’re even considering Wolves.
Green
Standard Option: Sassuolo
Where to watch: ESPN+
A solid Italian side, Sassuolo currently sits in 4th place in Serie A. Nicknamed the Neroverdi, which translates to Black and Green, this side is great for the stripes lovers reading this guide.
Standard Option Part Two: Wolfsburg
Where to watch: ESPN+
The Volkswagen owned club is solid in every aspect and is currently sitting in 4th in the Bundesliga. John Brooks is the American defender that draws me to this team, but they offer a strong midfield and attacking threat as well. Will certainly win more than they lose, but aren’t anything too special. If you want your team to keep clean sheets Wolfsburg are a good choice.
Underdog Option: Werder Bremen
Where to watch: ESPN+
This team offers little going forward; in fact, Werder Bremen are likely candidates to be sucked into a relegation battle this season. Somehow, though, the green and white kits are one of my favorites in the Bundesliga. American fans will love you if you’re a Bremen fan because Everyone wants to know how USMNT striker Josh Sargent is doing without actually having to watch Werder Bremen play (seriously, it can be hard to stomach). Werder Bremen have won the Bundesliga on four occasions though, so maybe sticking it out while they are playing terribly will make future success even sweeter?
Purple
Underdog Option: Fiorentina
Where to watch: ESPN FC
Holding it down for the color purple is Italian side Fiorentina. This team is only worth watching for Frank Ribery, a legend for Bayern Munich who has settled in Serie A for the tail end of his career. They have the ability to punch above their weight which is best demonstrated by their 3-0 win against Juventus. Really the only prominent purple side, Fiorentina makes this list almost by default. Kit pictured alongside Sassuolo.
Honorable Mentions
Some sides I love to watch but couldn’t categorize in the above color categories include Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Spurs, Italian giants Juventus, South London side Crystal Palace, and the notorious RB Leipzig. Hope this list inspired you to catch a game and tune back into Red Card News for more articles! Comment which team you choose š
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