The Top 10 Best Mascots in Football History

The Top 10 Best Mascots in Football History

Football Blog

Football is often a sport likened to theatre. A Broadway show with all the drama, twists, and turns fit to occupy the world's stage.

The scripts are unwritten, but each intricate story captures the attention of fans across the globe as if crafted by the hand of a master novelist.

But football isn't all romanticised, in fact is it the side of the game that swaps Broadway for chaotic pantomime which is arguably the most endearing of all it's features.

And nothing encapsulates exactly that area of the beautiful game more than the mascots.

Most clubs have one, each as quirky, and often peculiar, as the last. But there are some which take the cake for their innovation and eccentricity.

So, with all that being said, let's take a look at the top 10 mascots of all time from across the footballing landscape.


10. Peter Burrow- Peterborough United

Posh mascot Peter Burrow comes in the form of a giant white Rabbit. You know, rabbits... burrowing, Peter Rabbit the famous children's book, Peter Burrow sounds like Peterborough... Anyway.

But it isn't just the cleverness of his name which is endearing, Peter Burrow has become an iconic mascot of the EFL with his mischievous nature becoming famous for winding up opposition fans, players, and even referees.

What is not to love about Peter Burrows?


9. Skillzy- Euro 2020

Maybe not the most exciting and bizarre of mascots, but Skillzy deserves a place in the list because he broke the barriers of the usual mascot template.

Skillzy came in the form of a football freestyler, rather than the usual animal/cartoon inspired look. The mascot did divide opinion with some believing there wasn't enough substance in the idea for it to be a worthy mascot for such a big occasion.

But, under the surface, Skillzy was a representation of modern football culture, and provided a mascot which young people could look up to, be inspired by, and identify with due to its human characteristics.


8. Super Pepino- Leganes

Super Pepino might just be my favourite mascot on the entire list, but I'd imagine this one will split opinion. After all, a 7 foot cucumber is probably disturbing, maybe even traumatising for some- so we'll keep him down in 8th for now.

Leganes' nickname is 'The Cucumber Growers', so the only logical option for a mascot is a cucumber, but not just any cucumber, one that would undoubtedly win every cucumber growing award the world over. Genius.

Excellent work Leganes.


7. Gunnersaurus- Arsenal

Have I been slightly harsh on the big green dinosaur that represents a club that has nothing to do with big green dinosaurs? You might think so, but I don't.

Gunnersaurus gets brownie points for being one of the most iconic mascots in English football, but it just isn't my cup of tea... it took a lot of effort to not put it below the giant cucumber believe me.

Gunnersaurus came about after a fan competition to design the mascot for the Gunners. The winners were two young Arsenal fans who created the design in line with their love for Jurassic Park.

Might be a nice story, but I'm not buying it. 7th for Gunnersaurus.


6. Timber Joey- Portland Timbers

You might be questioning me at this point, because yes, this is just some random bloke who acts as a lumberjack.

But actually, Portland pride themselves on the fact that their mascot is an authentic lumberjack- nothing fake about Timber Joey...

The tradition started in the 1970's with Timber Jim, who is now retired from his role, with Timber Joey taking up the mantle of his predecessor.

He literally stands there, for 90 minutes, and cuts a piece of wood off with a chainsaw every time Portland score. Amazing.

And to make things even better, the goalscorers are awarded with the cutting at the end of the game- so if your a striker who needs some firewood, Portland might be the club for you.


5. Boiler Man- West Brom

RIP Boiler Man.

A Boiler, with arms and legs. Iconic.

Boiler Man appeared after West Brom struck a deal with Boiler company Ideal in 2018, becoming an instant legend in the EFL.

Unfortunately, Boiler Man was replaced with the Baggies' normal mascot Baggie Bird after the Ideal sponsorship ended.

Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened. Boiler Man, always in our hearts.


4. World Cup Willie- 1966 World Cup

I mean, do I really need to explain?

Willie the Lion, the 1966 England World Cup mascot, the year that The Three Lions won the World Cup for the first and only time in their history thus far. Pretty poetic if you ask me.

It would be wrong not to have the list without the very mascot associated with my country's crowning footballing moment wouldn't it? World Cup Willie takes 4th spot.


3. Groguet- Villarreal

Forget all this animal kingdom nonsense, Villarreal went rogue with their mascot and when I tell you it worked, it worked.

An submarine to match the 'Yellow Submarine' nickname, seems straightforward, but goodness me is it effective. Add in the fact that it has arms and legs... and Groguet is a special mascot.

The only thing that lets Groguet down is the fact that he is Blue and not Yellow, a bit of a creative oversight in my opinion- but it does wear Villarreal's yellow home kit at most games... so i'll let them off.


2. Kingsley- Partick Thistle

A supporter of the club actually designed this.

And the club actually chose it...

Does anybody actually know what it's supposed to be?

I mean one things for certain, Kingsley is iconic- but i'd imagine he's given a few fans nightmares in his time as Partick's mascot.

Imagine rocking up as an away player and the first thing you see is what can only be described as a deformed, angry Simpsons character? That would certainly have me shook.

Out of fear alone, Kingsley gets a high spot on the list... please don't hurt me.


1. Hennes

Number one, and undisputed in my opinion is Hennes.

Hennes is a real Goat, and is the mascot of FC Koln in Germany. There have been nine hennes' in history, dating back to the 1950's when the tradition first started.

The last Hennes retired through injury in 2019, having worked through Osteoarthiritis for several years before finally hanging up his boots.

The new Hennes has taken to his job like a Duck to water, or a Goat to a football pitch if we are speaking literally.

The Hennes tradition has become so big that throughout history Goats in the role have appeared on TV shows, adverts, and have even had their own enclosure at the local zoo- now those are all power plays.

Hennes deserves the number one spot. The undisputed GOAT of mascots... get it?

Matty Connelly
Matty Connelly Content Writer

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