AS Roma's logo, the emblem of one of Italy's most iconic football clubs, powerfully intertwines Roman civic identity with footballing tradition. Its evolution reflects both continuity and modernization.
The Founding Era (1927-1978)
The original 1927 crest featured a circular design centered on the Lupa Capitolina (Capitoline Wolf), the legendary she-wolf nursing Romulus and Remus, founders of Rome. This was set against vertical red and yellow stripes, reflecting Rome's city colors.
- Lupa Capitolina: The definitive symbol of Rome.
- "ASR" Monogram: Prominently placed across the wolf.
- Vertical Stripes: Red and golden yellow representing the city.
Standardization & Stylization (1978-1997)
In 1978, the logo underwent significant refinement under graphic designer Piero Gratton.
- Streamlined Shape: Adopted a classic rounded shield form.
- Bolder Wolf: The Lupa Capitolina became a more defined, graphic silhouette.
- Integrated Letters: "ASR" integrated more cleanly within the wolf's body.
- Red/Yellow Border: A thick border reinforced the club's colors.
This version became iconic, enduring for nearly two decades.
Modernization Attempts (1997-2013)
A more radical modern design debuted in 1997:
- Abstract Wolf Head: The Lupa was stylized into a fierce, angular wolf head facing left.
- Geometric Shield: A sharp-edged, angular shield replaced the classic curves.
- Simplified "Roma": The club name often appeared below the crest.
A subtle refinement in 2010 softened the edges slightly but maintained the contemporary wolf head. These designs aimed for modernity but were less universally revered by fans than the classic imagery.
Return to Heritage (2013-Present)
Marking the club's 86th anniversary in 2013, Roma restored the core elements of the beloved 1978 shield with enhanced detail:
- Classic Shield Restored: Re-adoption of the iconic rounded shield shape.
- Traditional Lupa Symbolism: The full-body Lupa Capitolina, nursing Romulus and Remus, returned as the central motif.
- Refined "ASR" Monogram: Elegantly integrated within the wolf's form.
- Rich Gold Accents: Gold replaced yellow, adding prestige.
- Detailed Border: A sophisticated tricolor (black, red, gold) border frames the crest.
This current logo powerfully reconnects the club to its Roman roots and traditional identity.
