Meyba
Meyba’s story begins in 1940s Barcelona, a city whose energy, colour and Mediterranean character shaped the brand long before it ever stepped onto a football pitch. Founded by local entrepreneurs José Mestre and Joaquín Ballbé, whose combined nicknames “Mey” and “Ba” gave the brand its name, Meyba first made waves along the Barceloneta shoreline. There, its relaxed beachwear captured the easygoing spirit of coastal Catalonia, setting the foundations for a brand destined for far greater things.
The Dream Team Era: When Meyba Became Football History
The turning point in Meyba’s story arrived in 1981, when it became the official kit supplier for FC Barcelona. What followed was one of the most influential periods in European football. Under the visionary guidance of Johan Cruyff, Barcelona built a side that blended technical precision with creativity, culminating in the legendary “Dream Team.”
This iconic squad featured talents such as Michael Laudrup, Ronald Koeman, Diego Maradona and a young, emerging Pep Guardiola. Their era-defining football was matched visually by Meyba’s clean, confident kit designs—bold colour blocking, sharp lines, geometric balance and that distinctive “M” that stood proudly on the chest.
These weren’t just kits worn during Barcelona’s rise; they became symbols of the club’s footballing identity and remain some of the most recognisable shirts in the game.
80s Casuals & Terrace Style: Where Meyba Found Cultural Icon Status
Beyond the stadium, Meyba’s influence flowed into the culture of the terraces. The 1980s saw football fans redefine how they dressed, with the Casuals movement blending designer aesthetics, street fashion and sporting silhouettes. Meyba’s minimalism and sleek detailing fit this shift perfectly.
Its kits began appearing not just on matchdays but in pubs, at gigs, on the streets and in youth subcultures that valued sharp, confident style. Clean stripes, trophy collars and vibrant colour contrasts made Meyba shirts unmistakably modern for their time, pieces that aligned naturally with terrace fashion staples like premium trainers, tapered denim and retro track tops.
This connection to Casuals and terrace style remains one of the defining features of the brand’s cultural identity.
Heritage Style: A Design Legacy That Endures
What sets Meyba apart is the lasting symbolism embedded in its classic designs. The brand’s visual language, simple but bold, confident yet understated, has aged effortlessly. The kits from the late 80s and early 90s are still sought after by collectors, celebrated for their balance of functionality and aesthetic clarity.
These are designs that didn’t follow trends; they set them. And their influence stretches across modern retro sportswear, where authenticity, heritage and strong visual identity are valued more than ever.
Meyba Today: A Revival Rooted in Authenticity
After time away from the spotlight, Meyba returned in the 2010s with a clear vision: to honour its past while adapting naturally to the expectations of modern style. Rather than reinvent itself, the brand doubled down on what made it iconic—heritage football silhouettes, vintage fits, classic colourways and premium craftsmanship.
Meyba’s modern output stays rooted in this philosophy while also embracing creative, culturally aware collaborations. A standout example is the Meyba × The Beatles Yellow Submarine capsule, inspired by the psychedelic world of Yellow Submarine. The collection blends Meyba’s retro football DNA with vivid colours, whimsical graphics and 60s-inspired detailing, proof that the brand can honour its heritage while exploring fresh design directions. Crucially, even these bold collaborations maintain the refined construction and archival spirit that define Meyba.
Today, Meyba’s collections feature heritage-infused jerseys, terrace-ready apparel and lifestyle pieces that feel both timeless and contemporary. Hand-dyed techniques, high-quality materials and retro signatures ensure every item carries a hint of the brand’s Catalan DNA.
For lovers of football culture, fans of 80s Casuals, and anyone who appreciates clean, confident sportswear with depth, Meyba stands out as a brand with rare authenticity. Its connection to Barcelona, the Dream Team era and terrace heritage remains its heartbeat—an identity as strong today as ever.
Further reading:
Introducing Meyba: From Barcelona's Golden Era to Modern Terrace Style.
Dive Into Style: MEYBA x The Beatles - Yellow Submarine Collection
