Watford FC Pays Dazzling Tribute to Elton John With Blue and Silver Kit Honoring Queer Icon’s Legacy

Watford Football Club, a storied team in England’s EFL Championship, made headlines this week by unveiling a vibrant new kit in honor of Sir Elton John, one of the world’s most celebrated musicians and LGBTQ+ icons, marking 50 years since he first became chairman of the club in 1976 . The commemorative blue and silver uniforms, designed in close collaboration with Elton John himself, debuted during Watford’s home match against Blackburn Rovers at Vicarage Road on Saturday, September 13.

Sir Elton’s involvement in the kit’s design ensured it was steeped in symbolism and personal history. The shirts feature a star motif and geometric accents inspired by the artwork of his acclaimed “Diamonds” compilation album, with silver “E-star” logos running along the shoulders and a lyric from “Your Song” printed near the hem: “How wonderful life is while you’re in the world” . The club crest—transformed into a sleek silver and blue—sits proudly on the shirt, complemented by white shorts bearing the E-star motif and blue socks with crisp white stripes.

Elton John’s relationship with Watford FC transcends that of a typical celebrity supporter. Born in Pinner, London, John has been a fan since childhood, attending matches since the days when the team wore blue kits and played in modest stands. His passion for the club led him to purchase Watford and become its chairman in 1976, at a time when the team languished in the Fourth Division. Through substantial personal investment and visionary leadership, he spearheaded Watford’s rise to the First Division, culminating in a second-place finish in 1983 and an FA Cup final appearance in 1984 .

Even after selling the club in 1987, Elton John remained deeply involved, returning as chairman in 1997 and continuing to shape its fortunes. Today, he serves as honorary life president, and his legacy is commemorated in the very fabric of the club—literally and figuratively. Vicarage Road, Watford’s home stadium, features the Sir Elton John Stand, marked by bold lettering and adorned with lyrics from “Your Song.” A mural of Elton graces the stadium exterior, and one of the adjacent roads has been aptly renamed Yellow Brick Road, a nod to his iconic hit .

To launch the new kit, Watford FC embarked on a media campaign that blended football, music, and visual art. Players posed in re-creations of Elton John’s most famous album covers—Imran Louza and Luca Kjerrumgaard channeled the enigmatic energy of his 1970 album, Giorgi Chakvetadze starred as the solitary figure from “A Single Man,” and Mattie Pollock evoked the spirit of “Rock of the Westies” . These playful, high-spirited tributes underscored the club’s appreciation not only for John’s musical achievements but also his role as a cultural and LGBTQ+ trailblazer.

Elton John’s open identity and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights have made him an inspiration across generations. His time at Watford coincided with the rise of his public persona, marked by bold self-expression and a refusal to hide his true self. The blue and silver kit is more than a tribute to a music legend—it stands as a symbol of inclusion, visibility, and pride. The campaign’s messaging and visual storytelling were designed to be affirming of all LGBTQ+ identities, reflecting the diversity and solidarity that Elton John has championed throughout his life .

The special edition kit was made available for pre-order via Watford’s online store ahead of its official release, with each shirt arriving in a commemorative gift box. Fans responded enthusiastically, celebrating both the design and the message behind it. Elton John expressed his pride in a launch video, saying, “My passion for this club has never died, and I’m so proud of this club, ever since I was five years old when we played in blue and there were two rickety old stands. What can I say? It’s in my heart and my soul, you can’t get rid of it. The supporters of this club have always been in my heart” .

The kit’s launch and the accompanying campaign resonated with LGBTQ+ fans and allies. For many, the gesture was seen as a powerful reminder of the progress made in sports and society towards greater acceptance and celebration of LGBTQ+ identities. The design’s references—from the “Diamonds” album art to the “Your Song” lyric—were interpreted as affirmations of uniqueness and human dignity.

Watford FC’s tribute aligns with a broader movement in football and the entertainment industry to create welcoming environments for LGBTQ+ individuals. The club has previously supported Pride initiatives and collaborated with organizations promoting equality and inclusion in sport . By honoring Elton John—a figure who has championed LGBTQ+ rights globally—the club reinforced its commitment to these values, setting an example for teams around the world.

The blue and silver kit will remain an enduring symbol of Watford’s history and its embrace of diversity. As the team continues its Championship campaign under the leadership of manager Paulo Pezzolano, this year’s tribute will be remembered as a milestone not just in football, but in the ongoing story of LGBTQ+ visibility and empowerment.