Football kits are more than just sportswear; they are the visual identity of a specific era. Page 26 of the matchday programme highlights the “Sponsor van de Wedstrijd” (Match Sponsor): Masita, the Dutch sportswear brand that served as FC Groningen‘s official kit manufacturer during the 2014/2015 season.
The advertisement is striking in its simplicity. It features a black-and-white, highly emotive action shot of Michael de Leeuw roaring in celebration, wearing the iconic green-and-white striped Masita shirt. The slogan below reads: “MASITA – TEAMWEAR 4 WINNERS”. At the time, Masita was a prominent player in the Dutch and lower-league German markets, outfitting several professional and amateur clubs. For Groningen fans, the Masita kits of this era—with their distinct collar designs and the prominent Essent sponsor logo—are deeply woven into the fabric of their fondest memories.
On the opposite page, we see an ad for Raadsma, a regional hardware and tool supplier with branches in Dokkum, Heerenveen, Leeuwarden, and Groningen. It’s a classic example of a pan-northern business trying to appeal to fans of both clubs during the Derby of the North, wishing Groningen an “iron-strong season.”
A Look into the Future
The irony of the “Teamwear 4 Winners” slogan is that while FC Groningen did indeed become winners that season, lifting the KNVB Cup in May 2015, Masita itself faced a tragic corporate fate. Shortly after this historic season, the company ran into severe financial difficulties and was declared bankrupt (though the brand name was later resurrected under new ownership). As a result, the club eventually transitioned to Puma and later Robey. Today, in 2026, an original 2014/2015 Masita home shirt is a highly sought-after collector’s item among the Green-White faithful—a rare piece of armor from the year they conquered the Netherlands.