Aston Villa Confirm New Club Badge for Next Season After Fan Vote
Aston Villa Football Club have officially confirmed that they will adopt a brand-new badge design starting next season, following an extensive fan consultation process that saw supporters vote between several proposed options. The decision marks a significant step in the club’s ongoing brand evolution, as they aim to embrace modern design trends while still honouring the proud traditions of one of English football’s oldest and most storied sides.
The announcement, made via the club’s official channels, revealed that Villa’s board and branding department had been working closely with design experts and fan focus groups over the past year. Multiple badge concepts were drawn up, each blending elements from the club’s rich heritage with more contemporary aesthetics. Fans were then given the opportunity to cast their votes both online and in person, with thousands participating in the final decision-making process.
According to the club, the winning design will make its official debut on all Aston Villa kits for the 2025/26 season, as well as across merchandise, training gear, and digital platforms. The new badge will also feature prominently at Villa Park, replacing the current crest that has been in use since 2016.
Balancing Tradition with Modernity
The badge redesign process was not taken lightly. Aston Villa, founded in 1874, carry deep historical significance in English football, and any change to the club’s identity is bound to spark strong emotions among supporters. The club made it clear from the outset that their goal was not to erase history but to refresh their image in a way that resonates with today’s generation while respecting the past.
One of the most discussed elements during the consultation was the presence of the iconic lion, which has featured on almost every iteration of Villa’s badge for decades. Supporters overwhelmingly backed its inclusion in the new crest, with the design team opting for a sharper, more dynamic representation of the lion to symbolise strength, ambition, and forward momentum.
The club’s traditional claret and blue colours remain central to the badge’s palette, ensuring immediate recognisability. In addition, the new crest has been streamlined for better clarity when displayed on television screens, mobile devices, and small merchandise items — a key consideration in modern sports branding.
A Fan-Led Victory
In statements released alongside the announcement, CEO Christian Purslow praised the supporters for their engagement and passion throughout the process. This has been one of the most collaborative rebranding efforts in our history,” Purslow said. “The fans are the heartbeat of Aston Villa, and their voice has been at the centre of every decision. We believe this new badge represents a perfect blend of tradition and progress.”
Fan groups also welcomed the transparency of the process. The Aston Villa Supporters’ Trust issued a statement describing the outcome as “a proud moment for the Villa family,” noting that the design chosen by the majority reflects the shared identity and pride of the community.
Looking Ahead to the Badge’s Debut
The official unveiling of the new crest will come later this year, likely in conjunction with the release of next season’s home kit. Merchandise bearing the fresh design is expected to hit club stores shortly after, giving fans the chance to sport the new look well before the start of the campaign.
Villa Park itself will undergo visual updates, with signage, flags, and media backdrops all switching over to the new badge in the coming months. The club has hinted that a special launch event is being planned, potentially involving former players, community activities, and behind-the-scenes insights into the design journey.
A Growing Trend in Football
Aston Villa’s decision follows a broader trend in English and European football, where clubs have increasingly embraced badge modernisation to enhance marketability and global recognition. Recent examples include Everton, Leeds United, and Manchester City, each of which has gone through similar consultations to ensure their branding keeps pace with the evolving demands of the sport.
While badge redesigns can be controversial — with some clubs facing backlash over perceived loss of heritage — Villa’s open and fan-inclusive approach appears to have avoided the kind of discord seen elsewhere. By ensuring supporters had the final say, the club has effectively tied the new badge’s success to the will of the fanbase.
Symbol of Ambition
The timing of this rebrand aligns with Villa’s on-field ambitions. Under Unai Emery’s leadership, the team has been pushing for consistent European qualification and building a reputation as a competitive force in both domestic and continental competitions. A refreshed badge signals to the wider football world that Aston Villa are a club with a clear vision for the future — proud of their past but unafraid to evolve.
As the countdown to the 2025/26 season begins, excitement is building not only for what happens on the pitch but also for the first glimpse of the players walking out wearing the new crest. For many fans, it will be a powerful moment that encapsulates the unity and progress of their beloved club.
In the words of one lifelong supporter outside Villa Park: “It’s still our lion, still our colours, still our Villa — just looking sharper and ready for what’s next.”