🗽 New York Cosmos - the glitz and the glamour.

Pelé, Beckenbauer, Cruyff, Banks, Alberto, Chinaglia. 

Just a handful of the greats, drawn to the bright lights of the Big Apple, to represent New York Cosmos. The story of the Cosmos is a tale that has seen its fair share of turbulence in a very recent history. The Cosmos threw themselves into the global spotlight in the mid-70s by signing some of the best footballers on the planet, Pelé being the most notable. 

Cosmos general manager Clive Toye actually selected the green and yellow of the Brazilian national team as part of his strategy to lure Pelé to NYC. When he finally arrived, the strip was changed to white, in imitation of his former club side Santos. 

Not long after winning their third NASL Championship, the glamour of the club was further strengthened by its partnership with international brand Ralph Lauren, which was deemed a major fashion statement at the time. The club claimed, “It had been felt for some time that green uniforms against the playing surface of the field presented visual problems for both the players and for television.” The partnership lasted 6 years, from 1979 to 1985. 

The glitz of the original Cosmos only lasted for fifteen years, as the club folded in 1985. Many put the demise down to Pelé’s retirement in 1977. When he left, stadium attendances dropped and the media lost interest. The new Cosmos team was founded in 2010 and plays in the National Independent Soccer Association League.

 This design is inspired by the iconic Cosmos badge colouring.⁠ The ‘NYC [AOF] Supporter’s Club’ design is available to buy here: https://art-of-football.com/collections/autumn-winter-20