One Crest. One Jersey. One Cat.
“The stitching rubbed their nipples raw. Especially those early models with thick embroidery. But that was football – nobody complained.”
recalls Helmut Fischer, known as “Mr. PUMA.”The Foals ran in PUMA
Founded in August 1900, in the Mönchengladbach district of Eicken, Borussia emerged from the Marian Youth Congregation. A year earlier, 13 players had left TV Germania in protest. Borussia grew steadily, winning the DFB Cup sensationally in 1960, and gaining promotion to the Bundesliga in 1965 – becoming a cult team of the 1970s: The Foals.Günter Netzer, Berti Vogts, Jupp Heynckes, Rainer Bonhof, Lothar Matthaeus or trainer legends Hennes Weisweiler and Udo Lattek – names that still shine today. All wore PUMA.
“Borussia back then was the opposite of showmanship. Fast, direct, unpolished. That’s exactly what we tried to reflect in the design.”
says Helmut Fischer.Back then, colorful boots were rare. Only stars like Netzer dared to wear blue and yellow shoes.
“They were available in stores but didn’t sell – no one wanted them. We were 20 or 30 years too early,”
says Helmut Fischer.
Helanka, Rayon, Polyester – the Fabric Revolution
The jerseys of the 1970s marked a textile turning point. First came training suits made of Helanka – elastic, but prone to sagging. Then came shiny rayon jerseys – designed as “floodlight kits” because they sparkled under the lights like freshly polished cars. Eventually came polyester – lighter, more functional, breathable. With the 80s came evolution.“We tested those fabrics – for sweat absorption, airflow, stress resistance. And we turned them into something more than clothing. It was functional identity.”
says Ulrich Planer, Lead PUMA Archive.“Before that, there were no official PUMA jerseys. Neither logos nor design elements were allowed. It wasn’t until 1974 that things slowly changed. In the catalog it said, ‘One of the top teams and their kit’ – but there’s no PUMA logo on the shirt, just on the shorts.”
Helmut Fischer explains.The Cat that Scratched
Production was handled by Leuze and Palme, under contract with PUMA.In 1974, the time had come: Borussia was fully outfitted by PUMA for the first time – from boots to socks. A partnership that began with footwear and culminated in full kits.
“The logo had to be embroidered – which was difficult on cotton because the stiches itched from the inside. Sometimes the cat wasn’t even visible – or was deliberately left off.”
Ulrich Planer explains.Borussia'S year of superlatives: Catalogue from 1974
“What made it special was: the players were visible. No fuss – just a club in its element. And PUMA in the middle of it,”
says Helmut Fischer.Edition 125 – The Anniversary Kit
This weekend, Borussia celebrated its 125th anniversary – with a match against Valencia. And with a special edition kit: white, with a gold PUMA cat and gold crest. Limited. Refined. Stylish.“To me, this isn’t a retro shirt. It’s a statement: We know where we come from.”
Helmut Fischer, aka “Mr. PUMA”
