It was in this golden era that Admiral Sports became part of the Cosmos family.
A GLOBAL PHENOMENON
It’s 1979 and The New York Cosmos are at the height of their powers, the undisputed kings of the North American Soccer League.
Fresh off their third NASL championship—sealed in front of 75,000 fans at Giants Stadium—they had proven that life after Pelé was not only possible but even more popular.
With World Cup winners Franz Beckenbauer and Carlos Alberto orchestrating play and Giorgio Chinaglia scoring for fun, the Cosmos remained a global phenomenon.
NEW YORK STREETWEAR CULTURE
Now, in February 2025, Admiral and the New York Cosmos reunite to honour their historic partnership with a special capsule collection that pays homage to this unforgettable era.
At the heart of the collection are retro jerseys of the iconic 1979 home and away kits, alongside a classic green Cosmos tracksuit.
These pieces are complemented by fan shirts, tees, and a blackout range, a subtle nod to New York’s streetwear culture.
MORE LIKE STUDIO 54 THAN A FOOTBALL CLUB
Founded in 1970, the New York Cosmos remain one of the most iconic clubs in American soccer history. Their dominance in the late 1970s, powered by legends like Pelé, Franz Beckenbauer, and Giorgio Chinaglia, helped popularise soccer in the U.S.
During this time, they won multiple NASL championships before folding in 1985, but their legacy remains a symbol of soccer’s rise in the U.S. and its global appeal. The club has been on pause since its most recent professional stint in 2019.
It would be fair to say that the Cosmos were more than just a football team, they were an entertainment powerhouse, woven into the fabric of late ’70s New York.
Their matches were must-see events, drawing celebrities, artists, and socialites, turning their locker room into a scene that felt more like Studio 54 than a football club.
Their influence extended beyond the pitch—what they wore mattered just as much as how they played.
It was in this golden era that Admiral Sports became part of the Cosmos family, introducing a bold new kit that shifted the club’s secondary colour from green to navy.
Designed in collaboration with American fashion icon Ralph Lauren, it marked the first true intersection of lifestyle fashion and football, setting a precedent for style on and off the pitch.
ADMIRAL CONTINUES TO INSPIRE CHAMPIONS AND TRENDSETTERS
Admiral is Britain’s oldest sportswear brand, setting the standard for over 110 years by crafting performance products for football, cricket, rugby, cycling, and even Team GB’s Olympic athletes.
The inventor of the replica football kit, Admiral revolutionised the game with iconic designs, outfitting clubs like Manchester United, Leeds United, England, and Wales.
In the 1970s, Admiral expanded to North America, manufacturing kits for NASL such as New York Cosmos and of course, Vancouver Whitecaps, both of whom lifted championships in Admiral kits.
Admiral is deeply embedded in sporting culture, collaborating with The Rolling Stones, Bob Marley, and leading menswear brands like Represent and Almost Home. Whether on the pitch or the streets, Admiral continues to inspire champions and trendsetters alike.
A NEW GENERATION OF FANS
This partnership cemented the Cosmos as more than a team—they became a cultural institution in New York City.
This new collection is a tribute to a time when the beautiful game truly took hold in the Big Apple.
“We are thrilled to reunite with the New York Cosmos for this collection, celebrating a moment in football history that was truly special.
“The Cosmos represented the glamour and excitement of football in the late 1970s, and Admiral was there to define the team’s look. This collection brings that spirit back to life for a new generation of fans.”
The Admiral x New York Cosmos collection launches on Wednesday, February 5th, with select pieces available in stores across the UK and New York.
Website: admiralsports.com
Instagram Tags: @admiral_official | @nycosmos
Campaign Credits Video Campaign Team
Producer / Director / Casting: @levrosenbush (Brooklyn-bred, London-based creative) Talent: @Cylussandoval (Former pro footballer, NYC-based model)
DP: @nickbradyfilms
Stylist: Cassie Jekanoski @jardnassac @scenes.ny
BTS Stills: @Olivegilson_ @Noamballon @Jackisjackwas BTS Video: @Olivegilson_ @Noamballon
Locations: @zimmisnyc | @theshop.sucks | Pier 40 Extras: @Andrepinnard @tmypictures @lucas_ansel Advertorial Product Stills
Producer: @levrosenbush @boweryfc Photographer: @barleynimmo
Talent: Cameron Jones @Camiam914 (Grandson of former Cosmos GM Clive Toye) | Cassie Jekanoski @jardnassac
Location: @noonehome141