Genoa Cricket and Football Club (Genoa CFC) stands as Italy’s oldest active football team, founded in 1893. The club's identity is deeply tied to the symbols and heritage of its home city, Genoa, reflecting its rich history and cultural significance.

Meaning and History

The emblem of Genoa CFC has undergone multiple transformations, consistently incorporating symbols from the city of Genoa while adapting to evolving branding trends. The griffon, a mythical creature symbolizing dominance over land and air, has remained the central figure throughout the club's visual history.

1893 – 1980

The club's inaugural logo was a classic heraldic crest, split vertically into red and black halves, representing Genoa’s colors. The top section featured a Red Cross on a white background, an homage to the city's coat of arms. A green griffon stood at the crest’s center, its elegant yet fierce pose symbolizing strength and vigilance.

1980 – 1980s

The 1980 redesign introduced a playful, modernized emblem. The focus shifted to a simplified depiction of the griffon’s head in red and dark blue, set against a white background. The removal of traditional heraldic elements signaled a more progressive approach.

1980s

Returning to its roots, Genoa reintroduced the full-bodied griffon on a shield, now simplified with cleaner lines. The griffon clutched a golden football, signifying the club’s connection to the sport. A bold gold frame and an enlarged Red Cross atop the shield reinforced the design’s traditional elements while enhancing visibility.

1980s – 1991

A darker and more refined crest emerged during this period. The griffon featured intricate detailing outlined in black, adding depth and character. The background colors were deepened, creating a regal and commanding aesthetic, symbolizing nobility and resilience.

1991 – 1998

The crest took a triangular shape, deviating from the classic shield design. Two flags were added, flanking the logo for a unique touch. The griffon was simplified further, while the upper section displayed a bold “Genoa” wordmark in gold on a burgundy background, replacing the Red Cross.

1998 – 2022

The club returned to its traditional crest format, splitting it vertically into red and dark blue halves. The griffon, rendered in yellow, was less detailed than earlier versions. The upper section featured the Red Cross on a clean white background, and a yellow outline unified the design, emphasizing heritage and simplicity.

2022 – Today

The latest redesign modernized the griffon, removing black details and outlines for a cleaner look. The Red Cross in the top section was adjusted with shorter, more proportional lines. The refined emblem strikes a balance between contemporary design and respect for tradition, maintaining the club’s iconic imagery.

Colors

The Genoa CFC emblem incorporates a palette inspired by the city’s coat of arms and its maritime heritage:

• Red (PANTONE 2350 XGC): Symbolizing passion and strength.
  • HEX: #AD1919 | RGB: (173, 25, 25)
• Dark Blue (PANTONE 303 C): Representing the sea and stability.
  • HEX: #05232F | RGB: (5, 35, 47)
• Yellow (PANTONE Yellow 012 C): Highlighting energy and optimism.
  • HEX: #FFD400 | RGB: (255, 212, 0)
• White (PANTONE P 1-1 C): A nod to purity and the Genoese flag.
  • HEX: #FFFFFF | RGB: (255, 255, 255)

What is Genoa?

Genoa CFC, founded in 1893, is one of Italy's oldest and most revered football clubs. The team has won nine Serie A titles and continues to be a cornerstone of Italian football culture. With its passionate fanbase and storied legacy, Genoa remains a vital part of Italy’s sporting heritage.