Tottenham Hotspur, the white and the Spurs' cockerel

Why the Spurs wear white and navy blue

The club was founded on 5th September 1882 under the name of Hotspur Football Club, established by schoolboys led by Bobby Buckle. The name pays tribute to Harry Hotspur, a figure of the Northumberland family, whose Northumberland Park area bears his name; it became Tottenham Hotspur in 1884. For the 1898-1899 season, the Spurs adopted the white shirt and navy blue shorts, the colours of Preston North End, a prominent club of the time. Since then, white has remained part of the home kit, hence the old nickname Lilywhites, referring to white lilies.

Other English clubs on Goal-Foot

The Premier League page gathers all the English clubs. The great rival of the north London derby has its selection Arsenal FC, and the other London neighbour has its own, Chelsea FC. Further north, you'll find Liverpool FC, then Manchester United, the finalist from Bilbao, and Manchester City.

The Tottenham cockerel and its key dates

The cockerel perched on a ball is the symbol of the Spurs: a bronze cockerel has been atop the west stand of White Hart Lane since 1909-1910, and the emblem has been sewn onto the shirt since the 1921 FA Cup final. The link is simple: the spurs are the weapons of fighting cocks. In terms of achievements, Tottenham achieved the first double of the cup and league of the 20th century in England in 1961, then became in 1963 the first British club to win a European cup, the Cup Winners' Cup, in Rotterdam against Atlético Madrid. Jimmy Greaves and Glenn Hoddle made history during these years.

From White Hart Lane to the new stadium, the night in Bilbao

For over a century, the Spurs played at White Hart Lane, occupied from 1899 and demolished in 2017. The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, built on the same site, was inaugurated on 3rd April 2019 with a victory against Crystal Palace. The club now prepares its European nights there, bolstered by two UEFA Cups in 1972 and 1984, and especially by the Europa League 2025, won on 21st May in Bilbao against Manchester United, one to nil. This trophy, the first European title since 1984, gives the kits from that era a special value for supporters.

Good deals for dressing like the Spurs

To give a Spurs shirt or beanie, look first to Black Friday and the year-end holidays. The winter sales bring down the prices of current kits, gathered in the Promotions. In spring, the French Days teams happen before the end of the season, followed by the summer sales and the return to training, which send previous kits to Clearance.

Spurs kits: supporter, authentic and kids

The home shirt of Tottenham remains white, worn with navy blue shorts, as it has been since the end of the 19th century. Since summer 2017, Nike has been the manufacturer of Spurs kits. The away and third kits play with different shades each time they are refreshed, from navy blue to black, which is why there's a search for black Spurs shirts. Each kit exists in a supporter version, with a straight, comfortable cut for fans in the stands, and some in a authentic version, with a fitted, lightweight cut worn by the players, featuring heat-pressed logos. Children’s sizes follow the same designs as adults, allowing the whole family to dress in the cockerel's colours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the motto Audere est Facere mean?

This Latin motto means to dare is to do. Long associated with the club's coat of arms, it summarises the offensive spirit claimed by the Spurs since their double in 1961.

What training equipment does Tottenham have for a young player?

A club-coloured ball, a pair of socks and a training top are enough for sessions in the garden or at the club. The Skills training kit from Team Merchandise in Spurs colours adds items to work on individual technique.

Why is Tottenham called the Lilywhites?

The nickname comes from the white shirt adopted in 1898, compared to the whiteness of the lily. It is less heard today than Spurs, but it reminds us that white has been the club's home colour for over one hundred and twenty years.

What size Tottenham shirt should I choose for a child?

Rely on the size in centimetres rather than age, as children grow at very different rates. Between two sizes, the larger one allows some room for a shirt they will want to wear for a long time.

How do I keep a Spurs home shirt white?

Wash it inside out, at thirty degrees, separately from dark colours and without bleach, which yellows polyester. Let it dry in the shade: direct sunlight and tumble drying damage the fabric and the printing.