The Evolution of UWCL Shirt Patches - What Do They Really Mean?

Ever spotted those shiny patches on the sleeves of Women’s Champions League shirts and thought, “Ooooh, what’s that one?” You’re not alone. 

As the UWCL grew in prominence, UEFA introduced specific patches to be worn on team jerseys, symbolising participation and success in the tournament:

1. Standard Competition Patch

2. Title Holders Patch

3. Badge of Honour

4. We Play Strong Patch

A quick heads-up for all you shirt collectors - there are actual UEFA rules on where these badges go. Basically, you can’t just slap a badge on and call it a day (tempting as it is). 

• Right sleeve: The competition patch or title holders patch.

• Left sleeve: Any campaign patches, like “We Play Strong.”

• You won’t see these on league shirts—they’re Champions League exclusives.

These patches not only denote a team's achievements but also serve to inspire and promote the growth of women's football across Europe. Here's a little more detail about each patch and what teams get to wear them.

1. The Starball – AKA "I’m in the Champions League, baby"

Let’s start with the basics. Every club playing in the UEFA Women’s Champions League wears the iconic starball patch on their right sleeve. It's the universal sign that a team has made it to Europe’s biggest stage in women’s club football.

2. The Title Holders Patch

If you’ve won the UWCL, your shirt gets an instant glow-up the next season. Enter: the title holders patch. The reigning champions don a special patch on the right sleeve during the following season, highlighting their status as the defending titleholders.

It’s like wearing a crown, but make it embroidered. You’ll spot this patch on the team that lifted the trophy last time and this season, that’s Barcelona.

3. The Badge of Honour – Legends Only

The Badge of Honour is only for the true giants—clubs that have won the UWCL five times, or three in a row. So far, that patch is basically property of Olympique Lyonnais, who’ve racked up eight titles (and counting). Casual.

This patch doesn’t just say we’ve won it—it says we are it.

4. The We Play Strong Patch

You might have noticed a sleek little patch on the left sleeve of some UWCL shirts, emblazoned with the words We Play Strong. It’s more than just a design element—it’s a statement.

The We Play Strong campaign is UEFA’s bold move to grow the game and show that football is for everyone—regardless of gender. This patch represents inclusivity, empowerment, and a push to get more girls and women involved in the sport, from grassroots to greatness.

 

The UWCL continues to evolve, with UEFA announcing a new format starting from the 2025/26 season, introducing a single-league stage featuring 18 teams. This change aims to increase competitiveness and provide more opportunities for clubs across the continent.

As the competition grows, so too does the significance of the patches, each telling a story of triumph, resilience, and the ever-expanding legacy of women's football in Europe.

Which patch is your favourite?