30. Everton
A fairytale castle tower? Nope, that’s Everton landmark Prince Rupert’s Tower – an 18th-century prison used as an overnight lock-up for local drunks. First appearing on the badge back in 1938, it’s become indelibly associated with the Toffees’ identity.
29. AFC Wimbledon
They’re a phoenix club, but AFC Wimbledon’s crest centres on a different bird: the double-headed eagle, a symbol associated with Julius Caesar – who legend has it once camped on Wimbledon Common.
28. Chelsea
Chelsea are proof that circular crests don’t have to be generic and uninspiring. In a nod to the badge they used from 1953 to 1986, the Blues restored the regardant heraldic lion for this 2005 redesign.
27. Arsenal
Twenty years old this year, Arsenal’s ‘new’ badge has truly stood the test of time (although the fact that it adorned the shirts of the 2003/04 ‘Invincibles’ will have played a fairly big part in that…).
26. Blackpool
OK, so it makes some of the elements a bit indistinguishable, but there’s a lovely hand-painted vibe to Blackpool’s suitably tangerine-infused crest – the tower-boasting Lancashire beach resort’s coat of arms.
25. Coventry City
A dove and phoenix fighting for a ball stuck under an elephant who’s volunteering for the Red Cross while carrying three giant pepper mills? Coventry’s crest is pure chaos and we’re all here for it.
24. Southampton
Teeming with local symbolism, Southampton’s suitably saintly crest is a subtly modified version of the 1970s competition-winning design by fan Rolland Parris. More badges could do with a scarf, we reckon.
23. Crystal Palace
The great glass structure from which the area takes its name burned down in 1936, but the football club’s crest appears to depict its destruction by giant eagle instead – which would have been even more dramatic, to be fair.
22. Port Vale
Their arch-rivals may use the ‘Potters’ nickname, but Port Vale’s badge actually references Stoke-on-Trent’s famous industry (and specifically ceramic tycoon Josiah Wedgwood, who was born and died in the Staffordshire city).
21. Norwich City
Norwich have given their badge a streamlined new look for the 2022-23 season – and it looks great, but we’d be lying if we said we didn’t miss the Bart Simpson lookalike lion from the previous version.
20. Bournemouth
Bournemouth are the only club in the 92 with an ex-player on their crest. The combed-haired fella heading the ball is legendary striker Dick Dowsett, who played a key role in shaping the Cherries’ modern identity as commercial manager.
19. Huddersfield Town
Huddersfield’s crest honours the club’s history and local area in various ways – but we’re obsessed with one feature: the stern-looking Yorkshire terrier who is absolutely not going to give you your ball back.
18. Leeds United
The football-emblazoned White Rose of York is the standout feature of a simple, classy badge which hasn’t changed for over 20 years (although Leeds almost wrecked it by proposing THIS in 2018).
17. Swansea City
It’s a myth that swans can break your arm – but you won’t catch us messing with the majestic beast which dominates Swansea’s updated badge; it’s already conquered castle, for goodness sake!
16. Sunderland
Featuring local landmarks the Penshaw Monument and Wearmouth Bridge, Sunderland’s current crest was launched to coincide with the opening of the Stadium of Light in 1997 – and it’s stood the test of time!
15. Tranmere Rovers
Tranmere went retro with their kit for the 2021/22 season – which meant going retro with their badge, too. It's remained ever since, with the club preferring the colourful option and little battleship-emblazoned football in reference to Birkenhead’s shipbuilding industry.
14. Bolton Wanderers
Clean and modern (even though the circular arrangement of ‘BWFC’ first appeared in 1975), Bolton’s badge is instantly recognisable – and since the previously unravelled ribbon was re-tied in 2013, it’s looked back to its striking best.
13. Ipswich Town
Have you ever seen a horse look more like it’s about to score a solo wonder-goal? That’s not any old horse either; it’s a Suffolk Punch, described by designer John Gammage as “a noble animal, well-suited to dominate [the badge]”.
12. Notts County
If any club deserves to include their founding year on their club crest, then it's most definitely Notts County. The oldest professional football team in the world, 1862 sits proud and loud in the centre of the badge - and why shouldn't it? The magpies perched atop the ball are a nice touch, while the iconic black and white stripes look classy.
11. Derby County
All manner of animals appear on the crests of Premier League and EFL clubs, including rather a lot of lions – but we still reckon that Derby’s typically pugnacious-looking ram is the meanest of the lot. No words needed.
