You may have noticed the eye-catching ‘Emirates’ logo on Real Madrid’s jerseys while watching their matches. But do you know why do Real Madrid jerseys say Fly Emirates? The sponsorship, Fly Emirates, has become synonymous with the iconic white jersey of one of the world’s most successful soccer clubs. This article will delve into the reasons behind this sponsorship, the benefits for both parties and the wider implications for the game of soccer.
1.The History of Fly Emirates Sponsorship
The Beginning of a Partnership
The partnership between Real Madrid and Emirates began in May 2013, when the airline signed a five-year deal with the club. This agreement marked the start of a significant relationship between one of the world’s largest airlines and one of the most prestigious football clubs. The deal was initially set to run until the end of the 2017/18 season but has since been extended due to its success.
The Unveiling of the Deal
The unveiling of the sponsorship deal was a grand affair, held at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Florentino Pérez, the president of Real Madrid, and H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Emirates Group, were present to announce the partnership. This event also included the reveal of Real Madrid’s new kit for the 2013/14 season, which featured the Fly Emirates logo.
2.Why Do Real Madrid Jerseys Say Fly Emirates
Revenue Generation
One of the primary reasons for the Fly Emirates sponsorship is revenue generation. Soccer teams, especially those at the top level, require substantial financial resources to maintain their operations, attract top talent, and compete at the highest levels. Sponsorship deals provide a significant source of income for these clubs.
For instance, Real Madrid’s deal with Emirates is reportedly worth €70 million annually, making it one of the most lucrative sponsorship deals in sports. This financial support helps the club invest in players, facilities, and other essential aspects of their operations.
Brand Association
Another crucial factor is brand association. Emirates, as a global airline, seeks to align itself with successful and well-known brands to enhance its own reputation. By sponsoring Real Madrid, Emirates associates itself with a club that has a rich history of success, both domestically and internationally.
This association is mutually beneficial. Real Madrid gains financial support, while Emirates benefits from the positive brand image associated with the club’s success. When Real Madrid wins titles and achieves significant milestones, the Fly Emirates logo is prominently displayed, providing the airline with extensive global exposure.
3.The Impact of Sponsorship on Soccer
a.The Evolution of Soccer Sponsorships
Soccer sponsorships have evolved significantly over the past few decades. In the early days, soccer jerseys were simple and unadorned, featuring only the club’s crest. However, as the sport grew in popularity and commercial value, sponsorship deals became more common.
Today, it’s rare to see a top-level soccer team without a major sponsor on their jerseys. These sponsorships provide essential revenue streams for clubs, helping them compete in an increasingly competitive environment. The Fly Emirates sponsorship of Real Madrid is a prime example of this trend.
b.The Benefits for Emirates
For Emirates, the sponsorship of Real Madrid and other soccer teams provides several benefits:
Global Exposure:
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, with billions of fans watching games regularly. By sponsoring high-profile teams like Real Madrid, Emirates gains exposure to a vast global audience.
Brand Recognition:
The Fly Emirates logo is seen by millions of people worldwide, enhancing brand recognition and awareness.
Positive Brand Association:
Associating with successful and prestigious soccer teams helps Emirates build a positive brand image. When Real Madrid wins titles, the Fly Emirates logo is prominently displayed, creating a positive association with success.
Increased Revenue:
The exposure and brand recognition gained through sponsorships can lead to increased revenue for Emirates, as more people choose to fly with the airline.
c.The Benefits for Real Madrid
Real Madrid also benefits significantly from the Fly Emirates sponsorship:
Financial Support:
The substantial financial support provided by Emirates helps Real Madrid invest in players, facilities, and other essential aspects of their operations.
Global Reach:
The partnership with Emirates enhances Real Madrid’s global reach, as the airline’s extensive network connects the club with fans around the world.
Brand Enhancement:
The association with a prestigious and successful airline like Emirates enhances Real Madrid’s brand image, reinforcing its status as one of the world’s top football clubs.
4.Other Soccer Teams Sponsored by Fly Emirates
Real Madrid is not the only soccer team sponsored by Emirates. The airline has sponsorship deals with several other high-profile clubs, including:
- Arsenal: Emirates has been the shirt sponsor of Arsenal FC since 2004. The partnership also includes the naming rights to the club’s stadium, known as the Emirates Stadium.
- AC Milan: The Italian giants have had a long-standing partnership with Emirates, with the airline’s logo prominently displayed on their jerseys.
- Paris Saint-Germain (PSG): The French club, known for its star-studded lineup, also features the Fly Emirates logo on its jerseys.
- S.L. Benfica: The Portuguese club is another team sponsored by Emirates, further expanding the airline’s presence in European soccer
5.The Future of Soccer Sponsorships
The trend of soccer sponsorships shows no signs of slowing down. As the sport continues to grow in popularity and commercial value, more companies will seek to align themselves with successful teams to gain global exposure and enhance their brand image.
For Emirates, the partnership with Real Madrid and other soccer teams has proven to be a successful strategy. The airline has gained significant exposure and brand recognition, while the clubs have benefited from essential financial support. This mutually beneficial relationship is likely to continue, with both parties reaping the rewards of their collaboration.
6.Conclusion
The Fly Emirates logo on Real Madrid jerseys represents a successful partnership between one of the world’s largest airlines and one of the most prestigious football clubs. This sponsorship provides essential financial support for Real Madrid, helping the club invest in players and facilities. For Emirates, the partnership offers global exposure and positive brand association, enhancing the airline’s reputation and reach.
As soccer sponsorships continue to evolve, partnerships like the one between Real Madrid and Emirates will remain crucial for the success and growth of both the sport and the sponsoring companies. The Fly Emirates logo on Real Madrid jerseys is a testament to the power of strategic partnerships in the world of sports.
7.FAQs
1. Why do Real Madrid jerseys have the “Fly Emirates” logo?
The “Fly Emirates” logo appears on Real Madrid jerseys as part of a sponsorship agreement between the club and Emirates, the airline company. This partnership involves financial support from Emirates in exchange for brand visibility on the team’s kits.
2. When did Real Madrid start featuring “Fly Emirates” on their jerseys?
Real Madrid began featuring the “Fly Emirates” logo on their jerseys starting from the 2013-2014 season. The sponsorship deal was established to enhance the club’s commercial revenue and global brand presence.
3. How long is the sponsorship agreement between Real Madrid and Emirates?
The initial sponsorship agreement between Real Madrid and Emirates was signed for five years, but it has since been renewed. The duration of the current agreement can vary, but it typically extends for several years, ensuring long-term collaboration.
4. Does the “Fly Emirates” logo appear on all Real Madrid jerseys?
Yes, the “Fly Emirates” logo is prominently displayed on all Real Madrid jerseys, including home, away, and third kits. This consistent branding helps maintain strong visibility for Emirates across different competitions and matches.
5. Are there any other sponsors featured on Real Madrid jerseys?
While “Fly Emirates” is the main sponsor featured on the front of Real Madrid jerseys, there may be additional sponsors on other parts of the kit, such as the sleeves or back. These secondary sponsorships also contribute to the club’s commercial revenue.