FC Metz, a French football club founded in 1932, has a rich history steeped in tradition, reflected in its visual identity. Known as "Les Grenats" (The Maroons) due to their iconic maroon color, the club has maintained a heraldic style in its logo with only a few significant redesigns.

Logo History

Until 1966

The original logo of FC Metz, which lasted until 1966, was simple yet meaningful. It featured a rounded emblem with a maroon-colored football in the center, representing the team's nickname. A black and white shield was placed at the heart of the football, with a gold Cross of Lorraine, a historic and symbolic emblem of the region. Above the shield, the club’s name, “FC Metz,” was written in light blue capital letters with a gold outline, giving the logo a timeless and classy feel.

1966 — 2000

In 1966, FC Metz adopted a more formal and structured logo design. The crest became a vertical division of two equal parts: yellow on the left and maroon on the right. The upper portion of the shield featured white background and bold gold “F.C. Metz” lettering. The key symbols of the club—the maroon dragon (Graoully) and the gold Cross of Lorraine—were added to the design. These elements celebrated the club’s origins in Metz, with the dragon stemming from local legend and the cross symbolizing the region's historical roots.

2000 — Today

A significant redesign occurred in 2000 to modernize the logo while retaining its traditional elements. The color palette was streamlined to maroon and white, giving the logo a cleaner and stronger look. The dragon symbol was enlarged, becoming more dynamic, and the Cross of Lorraine was simplified, becoming bolder and more prominent. The wordmark was updated to a sharp, sans-serif font, reflecting a modern, progressive feel while still honoring the club’s legacy.

2021 — Today

The 2021 update of the logo introduced further refinement. The Cross of Lorraine was modified to appear thicker with pointed tips, offering a more contemporary aesthetic. The wordmark was moved above the emblem, maintaining its clean sans-serif style in maroon, aligning with the overall modernized look.

Symbolism and Meaning

The FC Metz logo carries deep symbolic meaning. The dragon, Graoully, represents a piece of local folklore, while the Cross of Lorraine is a historical and regional symbol of the area. The maroon and white color palette conveys the club’s passion for football and its commitment to its roots and legacy. The logo’s evolution reflects a balance between tradition and modernization, symbolizing the club’s desire to honor its past while embracing a forward-thinking future.