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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Umbro

Umbro is a British sportswear and football equipment brand founded in the 1920s by brothers Harold and Wallace Humphreys in Wilmslow, Cheshire.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Umbro is a British sportswear and football equipment brand founded in the 1920s by brothers Harold and Wallace Humphreys in Wilmslow, Cheshire. It is known for its double-diamond logo and its long association with football and rugby apparel. The brand is now owned by Iconix Brand Group.

History

Umbro was founded by Harold and Wallace Humphreys in Wilmslow, Cheshire, in the 1920s and became known as Umbro in 1924. The brand grew from a small family workshop into a major sportswear name.

Products and branding

Umbro is best known for football kits, boots, and related apparel, and also produces rugby clothing and other sportswear. Its double-diamond logo has become one of the brand’s most recognisable symbols.

Corporate ownership

Umbro was acquired by Nike in 2007 or 2008, depending on the source cited, and later sold to Iconix Brand Group in 2012. It has since continued as a heritage sportswear brand under Iconix.

Market presence

Umbro has long had an international presence and has sold products in many countries. The brand remains associated especially with football culture and classic kit design.

Key facts

  • Umbro began as a family business in northern England and adopted the name Umbro in 1924.
  • The company focused early on football kit and later expanded into rugby wear.
  • Umbro is widely identified by its double-diamond logo.
  • The brand has been owned by multiple parent companies, including Nike and later Iconix Brand Group.
  • Umbro products have been sold internationally in more than 90 countries.
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Canadian context

Umbro has been sold internationally, so Canadian readers may encounter its football and sportswear products through global retail and online channels.

Frequently asked questions

What is Umbro?
Umbro is a British sportswear and football equipment brand known for kits, boots, and its double-diamond logo.
When was Umbro founded?
Umbro was founded in 1924, although some sources describe the business as beginning in 1920 before the name change.
Who founded Umbro?
Umbro was founded by brothers Harold and Wallace Humphreys.
What does the name Umbro mean?
The name is commonly explained as a contraction of “Humphreys Brothers.”
Who owns Umbro now?
Umbro is owned by Iconix Brand Group.
What sports is Umbro associated with?
Umbro is most strongly associated with football and also has a history in rugby apparel.

References

  1. Umbro — https://www.umbro.com/en/our-story/
    Supports: Company origin story, Humphreys brothers, naming explanation, early growth into factory production and rugby apparel.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umbro
    Supports: Founded in 1924, British sports equipment manufacturer, football and rugby focus, double-diamond logo, ownership by Iconix Brand Group.
  3. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/books/politics-and-business-magazines/umbro-plc
    Supports: Early history, original business name, founding in Wilmslow, and 1924 rename to Umbro.
  4. Umbro — https://www.umbro.com/pt/nossa-historia/
    Supports: Company history and the Humphreys brothers origin story in another language edition.