FC Köln Home Shirt Erima 2012-13 Vintage REWE

FC Köln 2012-13 — The Erima jersey from a rebuilding season under the REWE banner

2012-13 season, FC Köln navigates the Bundesliga with grit and determination, supported by a historic German football outfitter: Erima. This vintage home jersey emblazoned with the sponsor REWE — the German retail giant — is one of the most representative pieces from a pivotal era for the Rhineland club. Rare, authentic, in 9/10 condition: this is what German football is all about.

Jersey details

Season: 2012-2013
Club: FC Köln
Type: Home
Outfitter: Erima
Sponsor: REWE
Condition: 9/10
State: REWE sponsor clearly visible — authentic wear and tear of a worn vintage jersey, no major flaws, clean and collectible

What this jersey represents

In 2012-13, FC Köln went through a demanding period. The club, relegated to the 2. Bundesliga at the end of the 2011-12 season, tried to rebuild and regain its place in the elite of German football. It is in this context of struggle and resilience that this Erima home jersey was worn — a Zweite Liga season that engaged the entire club in a promotion project, and its supporters in unconditional loyalty.

The RheinEnergieStadion continued to buzz despite the lower division — that's Köln, a people's club that never gives up. Players like Lukas Podolski had already made their mark on the club's history before going on to shine elsewhere, and their legacy hangs over every difficult season. This jersey embodies that identity of a popular club, rooted in its city, never resigned.

Moments etched into this jersey

Return to 2. Bundesliga — a season of pride despite everything
After the 2012 relegation, FC Köln committed its entire sporting project to the goal of immediate promotion. Playing in the second division with such intensity and popular fervor is something few clubs in Europe can boast of.

Erima and FC Köln — a partnership rooted in German football
Erima, a historic German football outfitter founded in 1900, dressed FC Köln with the artisanal seriousness that distinguishes true football brands from major sportswear multinationals. Wearing an Erima jersey means wearing a piece of Rhineland football textile history.

REWE, iconic Köln sponsor
The REWE logo — a retail group founded in Cologne itself in 1927 — is not an insignificant sponsor: it's a company born in the same city as the club, rooted in the same territory. This local partnership gives this jersey a strong identity, far beyond simple brand placement.

Authentic vs. Replica

An authentic vintage jersey is the version actually used at the time — not a modern reproduction or a derivative item. We're talking about a cut, material, and finishes that perfectly match what players or supporters wore in the season concerned. It's the original, plain and simple.

This one boasts a 9/10 condition: that's exceptional for a jersey over ten years old. That means no tears, no major stains, markings still firmly in place — including the REWE sponsor still legible and intact. This kind of piece in this condition doesn't just show up at flea markets.

Vintage sizing guide

Vintage Erima jerseys from the 2010s have a more fitted cut than current standards. A vintage M often corresponds to a modern S/M depending on your body shape. Don't assume your usual size — especially if you're used to modern jerseys with looser, oversized fits.

Before buying, take your flat measurements: chest width, back length, and sleeve length. Compare them to the actual measurements of the jersey if available, or don't hesitate to contact us. It's better to measure twice than regret once.

Why have it in your collection

FC Köln is one of those clubs that inspires deep respect in the world of vintage German football: a rich history, ardent fans, a strong visual identity. A jersey from this era with the Erima + REWE combo is a piece you won't easily find — and one that immediately speaks to anyone who closely follows the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga. It's real football, not marketing.

In 9/10 condition, this jersey truly stands out. There aren't many in this condition still circulating — most pieces from this season have taken a beating, been poorly washed, or stored improperly. This one is the kind of jersey you take out of the drawer with white gloves and frame as much as you wear it.

To go further

• FC Köln — Wikipedia
• Football Kit Archive — Jersey History
• UEFA — European Football

If you're a fan of German football or vintage Erima collector's jerseys, you already know this piece deserves a place in your display case. And if you're still hesitating — don't delay too long.