Umbro is a globally recognized British sportswear and football equipment supplier, widely regarded as the "home of all things football". Founded in 1924 in Wilmslow, Cheshire, and currently headquartered in Manchester, the company is famous for its "Double Diamond" logo. Umbro specializes in designing, sourcing, and marketing football-related apparel, footwear, and equipment, reaching consumers in over 90 to 100 countries worldwide.
Company Profile and Ownership
Since 2012, Umbro has operated as a subsidiary of the American brand management firm Iconix Brand Group (now Iconix International).
Business Model:
Today, Umbro primarily operates as a design and licensing company. It no longer maintains its own manufacturing facilities, instead outsourcing production to independent manufacturers in countries like China, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Key Financials (2023-2025):
Recent revenue estimates vary, with some reports citing approximately £4.9 million for 2023, while others estimate a broader range between $200 million and $500 million for 2025.
Workforce:
The company employs approximately 300 people.
Core Products and Innovations
Umbro is a pioneer in sports tailoring and performance gear, supplying everything needed for success on the pitch.
Footwear:
Notable releases include the Speciali (introduced in 1992 as an extremely lightweight boot), the Geometra, and the Velocita Matrix, which is engineered for pace and agility.
Apparel:
Beyond traditional kits (jerseys, shorts, socks), Umbro is known for its lifestyle and casual wear. Its nylon soccer shorts became an American cultural icon in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Innovation:
In 2000, Umbro introduced Sportswool, a material designed to keep players dry by passing perspiration to the exterior of the garment.
Historical Significance and Heritage
Umbro's history is deeply intertwined with the growth of professional football.
Origins:
Brothers Harold and Wallace Humphreys started the business as "Humphreys Brothers," eventually shortening the name to "Umbro" (a portmanteau of Umphreys and Brothers).
Team Partnerships:
Umbro debuted its kits in the 1934 FA Cup final with Manchester City. Since then, it has outfitted numerous championship teams, including Brazil (1994 World Cup winners), Manchester United (1999 Treble winners), and Liverpool FC (winners of four European Cups in the 70s and 80s).
Rugby and Futsal:
While primarily focused on football, Umbro also has a strong heritage in rugby, supplying national teams like England, Scotland, and Wales in the 1980s.
Ethical and Market Status
Ethics:
Umbro has faced criticism for a lack of transparency regarding sustainability and environmental reporting. Some products use kangaroo leather, which makes them non-vegan.
Market Position:
While facing intense competition from global giants like Nike and Adidas, Umbro maintains its niche by emphasizing its authentic football heritage and collaborating with fashion designers like Adam Jones and Kim Jones to create trend-focused capsule collections.