Sunderland Logo

Sunderland Logo PNG

Despite lacking elements associated with movement and speed, the “Sunderland” logo appears dynamic. This is thanks to its irregular shape, where sharp angles and soft curves harmoniously combine. The emblem’s symbolism is also expressive: the designers used images from the city’s glorious history, where the football club is based.

Meaning and History

The football club borrowed lions from the city’s coat of arms of Sunderland. However, the team’s nickname is different – black cats. This was the name of an artillery battery located in these parts at the beginning of the 19th century. The club’s nickname was cemented in 1937 when a 12-year-old fan, Billy Morris, brought a black kitten in his pocket to the FA Cup final against “Preston.” Then “Sunderland” won – 3:1.

The wheel depicted on the “Sunderland” logo is a tribute to the city’s mining traditions. The “Stadium of Light” club was built just when the region had one of the largest coal mining enterprises, which lasted until 1993.

The phrase “Consectatio Excellentiae” on the “Sunderland” logo means “pursuit of excellence”.

In the lower right corner of the logo’s shield is the Wearmouth Bridge, connecting the northern and southern parts of the 175-thousand Sunderland. It was opened in 1929 by the Duke of York, the future King George VI.

“Sunderland AFC,” founded in 1879, received its debut logo only in 1905. The emblem featured a black cat because the team was then known as “Black Cats.” Originally, this was the name of an artillery gun from the 1800s located on the banks of the River Wear. However, after a few years, the players abandoned this symbol.

What is Sunderland?

Sunderland is a football club from the northeast of England and the main rival of Newcastle United. It has a rich history, dating back to 1879, and has won many major victories over a century and a half. The club competes in the English Football League Championship.

1913 – 1937

The emblem is made in a heraldic style. The main elements of the emblem are a white shield, feathers, leaves, a globe, a knight’s helmet, and a ribbon with the motto “Nil Desperandum Auspice Deo”, borrowed from the city’s coat of arms.

1937 – 1966

In 1937, the team changed the design of the logo. Now, the shield became blue, surrounded by two lines: red and white. Below is the inscription “1936-37”.

1966 – 1973

For seven years, the club used an emblem with the letters “S” (above) and “AFC” (below). This is an abbreviation of the full name of the football club, “Sunderland Associated.” The color is scarlet on white. The font is sans-serif.

1973 – 1977

The abbreviation “SAFC” on the logo is written diagonally. Black letters stand out against a red rectangle.

1977 – 1991

In the late 1970s, the designers updated the logo. The quadrilateral shield with a sharp base and a black outline is divided into two parts. Above on a blue background is a boat because Sunderland is a port city. Below is a ball with the inscription “A F C.” Behind it are red and white stripes taken from the team’s home kit.

1991 – 1997

In 1991, the upper part of the shield was repainted black. The overall concept remained unchanged.

1997 – today

In 1997, the club marked the move to the “Stadium of Light” with a new emblem. In the center is a shield divided into four parts. In the lower right corner is the famous Wearmouth Bridge, connecting the southern and northern parts of the city. On the left is the Penshaw Monument. On the sides are two black lions, as on Sunderland’s coat of arms. Below the ribbons is the full name of the team.

Above the shield is the motto “Consectatio Excellentiae” (“Pursuit of Excellence”). Also depicted is a wheel, symbolizing the dungeon. It’s a tribute to the coal industry of County Durham and a reminder that the “Stadium of Light” was built on the site of the old Monkwearmouth coal mine.

Font and Colors

The “Sunderland” football club has its own vision of what the ideal logo should look like. Therefore, its graphic symbol is more like the city’s coat of arms, containing all the classic elements:

• A fancy shield
• Two heraldic lions on the sides
• Even a ribbon with a Latin motto.

In addition, there is another ribbon at the bottom – with the name of the team. The shield also contains a whole range of symbols – from images of architectural landmarks to references to the historical past of the city.

“Sunderland” has been using the same font since 1977. It can be classified as a classic Antiqua font, as all letters have short perpendicular strokes at the ends.

White and red are the primary colors of the team. They are also present on the emblem, where the central place is occupied by a red and white shield with ribbons. The lions are entirely black, in the best heraldic traditions. Beige and dark gold shades are also present.

Sunderland color codes