They were once the heartbeat of American soccer, thrilling New York crowds in the days when disco reigned and Manhattan felt like the center of the sports universe. Now the New York Cosmos, who helped turn soccer into a stateside spectacle, are back in the spotlight with Admiral for a retro capsule collection that celebrates their extraordinary run in the 1970s.
A tribute to an unforgettable era in American soccer
It all goes back to 1979, when the Cosmos, fresh from their third North American Soccer League championship, joined forces with Admiral on new kits that would define their identity for years to come. Their switch from a secondary green to navy, created in collaboration with Ralph Lauren, placed them at the forefront of fashion and sport. Iconic players like Pelé and Franz Beckenbauer had already turned the Cosmos into an international phenomenon, but this blend of style and performance raised the bar.
“We are thrilled to reunite with the New York Cosmos for this collection, celebrating a moment in football history that was truly special,” explained Theo Hamburger, Business Development Manager at Admiral. “The Cosmos represented the glamour and excitement of football in the late 1970s, and Admiral was there to define the team’s look. This collection brings that spirit back to life for a new generation of fans.”
As part of the relaunch, Admiral has faithfully recreated the 1979 home and away jerseys, complete with oversized striped collars in navy, white, and yellow. It’s a direct nod to the club’s most famous look, when the lights of Studio 54 seemed to shine just for them. The collection goes further by adding T-shirts, fan shirts, and a blackout series, mirroring New York’s streetwear culture. There’s even a tracksuit inspired by the hunter-green and yellow color scheme that predates the shift to navy, linking past and present with a sense of pride.
Many believe that the Cosmos at their peak were more than a soccer team. They were cultural ambassadors who attracted Hollywood stars and transformed post-match gatherings into legendary events. With this new capsule, Admiral is honoring that vibrant heritage and tapping into a wave of nostalgia that resonates with longtime supporters and new fans alike. Whether you remember the roar at Giants Stadium or you’re just hearing about this golden era for the first time, the collection captures the essence of a club that once owned New York’s sporting stage.
The Admiral x New York Cosmos retro range is now available on the Admiral website, offering a bit of history wrapped in contemporary style. In soccer, few stories match the Cosmos’ ability to fuse fashion and flair. This new drop reminds us that some legacies deserve to be worn, not just remembered.
