Pumas Vs Monarcas In 2013 Did The Jerseys Look Any Different

In 2013, Mexican football fans witnessed a unique moment in Liga MX history: two clubs with intertwined identities—Pumas UNAM and Monarcas Morelia—shared not only a league but also a controversial ownership structure. While they were officially separate teams competing on the pitch, both were under the control of TV giant Televisa. This connection raised questions among supporters about branding, identity, and visual representation—including whether their jerseys looked any different. The answer lies in more than just fabric and color; it's rooted in tradition, institutional pride, and subtle distinctions that defined each club’s image.

Historical Context: Pumas and Monarcas in 2013

Pumas UNAM, representing the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), has long been one of the most iconic clubs in Mexican football. Their identity is deeply tied to academia, youth development, and national symbolism. In contrast, Monarcas Morelia represented the city of Morelia in Michoacán, with roots tracing back to 1924. Despite their regional differences, both teams found themselves under the same corporate umbrella by 2013 due to Televisa’s strategic acquisitions.

This arrangement led to speculation about kit uniformity or shared designs across the two clubs. However, despite ownership links, each team maintained independent branding, coaching staffs, and crucially—distinct jersey designs. The visual separation was essential for preserving fan loyalty and competitive integrity.

Jersey Design Comparison: Key Differences in 2013

The 2012–2013 and 2013–2014 seasons saw both clubs wearing kits produced by different manufacturers, which immediately set them apart visually. Pumas UNAM’s kits during this period were supplied by Charly, a well-known Mexican sportswear brand that had long-standing ties with UNAM-affiliated teams. Monarcas Morelia, on the other hand, wore kits made by Joma, a Spanish manufacturer entering the Mexican market at the time.

This difference in suppliers resulted in noticeable variations in cut, logo placement, collar style, and overall aesthetic. While both teams featured predominantly striped shirts, the execution diverged significantly.

Feature	Pumas UNAM (2013)	Monarcas Morelia (2013)
Kit Manufacturer	Charly	Joma
Home Jersey Color	Vertical amber and navy blue stripes	Vertical maroon and white stripes
Collar Style	V-neck with contrasting trim	Rounded crew neck
Sponsor Logo	UNAM crest + \"Pumas\" text sponsor	Fitness First (main sponsor)
Shorts & Socks	Navy blue shorts, amber socks	White shorts, maroon socks
Emblem	UNAM-Pumas crest (lion head)	Monarch butterfly crest

Tip: When comparing vintage jerseys, always check manufacturer tags, stitching patterns, and sponsor logos—they often reveal authenticity and era-specific details.

Color Schemes and Symbolism

Pumas’ traditional colors—amber and navy blue—are derived from UNAM’s institutional palette, symbolizing knowledge, strength, and national pride. Their 2013 home jersey retained the classic vertical stripe pattern, slightly wider than previous versions, giving it a bolder appearance. The Charly logo appeared on the upper back, below the collar, while the front featured the full Pumas crest over the heart and a minimalist “PUMAS” text across the chest as the primary sponsor.

Monarcas Morelia’s identity centered around the monarch butterfly, a symbol of Michoacán’s natural heritage and migration. Their maroon-and-white striped jersey reflected decades of tradition. The Joma design incorporated thinner stripes and a cleaner neckline, emphasizing symmetry. The main sponsor, Fitness First, occupied the center of the chest in bold black lettering, contrasting sharply against the light background of the white stripes.

“Even when clubs share ownership, jersey design remains a sacred element of fan identity. Changing it without reason risks alienating generations of supporters.” — Carlos Mendoza, Sports Historian and Author of *Fútbol y Nación*

Real Example: Matchday Identity Preservation

A notable example occurred during a 2013 Copa MX fixture between the two sides. Though both teams were technically part of the same corporate group, match officials, broadcasters, and fans treated them as distinct entities. Visual differentiation was critical—not just for referees, but for television graphics, merchandising, and stadium displays.

At Estadio Morelos, Monarcas players wore their standard maroon-and-white Joma kit, complete with local sponsorships and regional emblems. When Pumas traveled to face them, they arrived in their unmistakable amber-blue Charly jerseys, proudly displaying the UNAM lion. There was no effort to align the aesthetics, nor should there have been. Fans from both sides would have rejected any move toward visual convergence as a threat to their cultural autonomy.

Step-by-Step: How to Identify Authentic 2013 Jerseys

For collectors or historians verifying original kits from 2013, follow this process:

1. Check the manufacturer label – Pumas = Charly (Mexico); Monarcas = Joma (Spain).
2. Examine the crest – Look for the lion head (Pumas) versus the butterfly (Monarcas).
3. Review stripe width and alignment – Pumas used broader, evenly spaced stripes; Monarcas had narrower, higher-frequency bands.
4. Inspect sponsor text – “PUMAS” in sans-serif font vs. “Fitness First” in bold block letters.
5. Verify production tags inside the collar – Authentic kits will list size, year, and country of manufacture consistent with official releases.

Common Misconceptions About Shared Ownership and Uniforms

One widespread myth suggests that Televisa used its influence to standardize kits across affiliated clubs to streamline marketing. However, no evidence supports this claim for Pumas and Monarcas in 2013. In fact, league regulations and fan expectations discouraged such homogenization. Each club operated independently in terms of kit selection, sponsorship deals, and design approval.

Another misconception involves the idea that secondary teams (like Monarcas) might wear hand-me-downs or alternate versions of primary team kits. This was never the case. Both squads received newly designed kits annually, reflecting their respective cities, histories, and fanbases.

Checklist: What to Look for in Authentic 2013 Kits

• ✓ Correct manufacturer logo placement
• ✓ Accurate team crest and regional symbols
• ✓ Proper color balance and stripe pattern
• ✓ Official sponsor branding present
• ✓ No crossover elements (e.g., Pumas crest on a maroon jersey)
• ✓ Sewn-in size and production labels matching the season

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Pumas and Monarcas ever wear the same jersey design?

No. Despite shared ownership through Televisa, Pumas UNAM and Monarcas Morelia maintained completely separate jersey designs in 2013. They used different manufacturers, colors, crests, and sponsors, ensuring clear visual distinction.

Why did Monarcas use maroon instead of red?

Maroon has been Monarcas Morelia’s traditional color since the 1950s, chosen to represent elegance and regional pride. It distinguishes them from other red-clad teams and honors the deep tones associated with Purépecha culture in Michoacán.

Were Pumas' jerseys made locally in 2013?

Yes. Charly, being a Mexican company based in Puebla, manufactured Pumas’ kits domestically. This supported local industry and aligned with UNAM’s commitment to national production.

Conclusion: Identity Matters More Than Ownership

The jerseys of Pumas UNAM and Monarcas Morelia in 2013 were distinctly different—not just in color or brand, but in meaning. Every stitch, stripe, and symbol reinforced a unique legacy. Even under the same ownership, these clubs preserved their individuality through careful attention to visual identity. For fans, historians, and collectors, the differences in those jerseys tell a deeper story: that football is more than business—it’s culture, memory, and pride.

💬 Do you own a 2013 Pumas or Monarcas jersey? Share your experience with vintage Mexican football kits in the comments below!