The crest history of FC Obolon Kyiv is unusual because it spans both the original FC Obolon Kyiv, whose roots dated to 1992, and the present club established in 2013. Throughout these changes, the identity has remained closely connected with the Obolon district of Kyiv and the famous Obolon brewery, which explains the club's nickname “Pyvovary” (The Brewers).
Between 1999 and 2001, the original club used a predominantly white crest featuring the Ukrainian words “Футбольний клуб” (Football Club) above a heraldic emblem. The Obolon name appeared prominently in red across the centre, while Kyiv, the year 1992 and a football were positioned underneath.
In 2002, the crest was redesigned into a circular badge. Green and gold became much more prominent, while an elaborate heraldic symbol occupied the upper section. The red OBOLON nameplate remained across the centre, with Kyiv, 1992 and a football underneath. This version remained in use until 2008.
A slightly modified circular badge appeared for 2008–09. The overall concept remained similar, but the proportions, colours and central heraldic imagery were refined. The Obolon name continued to dominate the centre of the design.
A dramatic redesign followed around 2010. The circular emblem was replaced by a modern green-and-white shield. The word ОБОЛОНЬ (Obolon) appeared in red across the top, while a large red heraldic lion became the central symbol. The letters ФК and the year 1992 appeared underneath.
This shield established the basic visual identity that continues to define Obolon today.
The original FC Obolon ceased operations in 2013. A new club, initially known as Obolon-Brovar, was established that same year and deliberately continued the football tradition associated with the Obolon name.
Between 2013 and 2020, the new club retained almost the same green-and-white shield and red lion. However, the lower section now displayed “БРОВАР ФК” (Brovar FC) rather than the old foundation year. This helped distinguish the new organisation from its predecessor while maintaining a clear visual connection with the historic Obolon identity.
In 2020, the club adopted the name FC Obolon Kyiv, resulting in another small adjustment to the crest. The shield, red lion, green-and-white colours and Obolon name remained unchanged, but the lower section was altered to display “ФК КИЇВ” (FC Kyiv).
The modern crest therefore demonstrates considerable continuity despite the organisational changes surrounding the club. The red lion, green-and-white shield and prominent Obolon name have survived since the major redesign of 2010.
FC Obolon Kyiv Club History
Founded in 2013, FC Obolon Kyiv is a Ukrainian football club based in the Obolon district of Kyiv. The present club was established following the financial collapse of the original FC Obolon Kyiv, and it deliberately continued many of the traditions associated with its predecessor, including its green-and-white colours, stadium and close relationship with the Obolon brewery.
The football tradition behind the modern club dates back to 1992, when the original team was founded under the name Zmina Kyiv. After several name changes, it eventually became FC Obolon Kyiv, reflecting its connection with the northern Kyiv district of Obolon.
The original Obolon developed from the lower divisions into a competitive professional club. It reached the Ukrainian Premier League for the first time in the early 2000s and subsequently spent several periods in the country's highest division.
One of the most memorable periods came during the 2010–11 season. Obolon achieved remarkable results against eventual champions Shakhtar Donetsk, defeating them in Kyiv and becoming the only Premier League club that season to take points from Shakhtar in both league meetings. The club also recorded notable performances against city giants Dynamo Kyiv, strengthening its reputation as a difficult opponent for Ukraine's leading teams.
However, financial difficulties increasingly affected the organisation. The original FC Obolon was eventually dissolved in 2013, apparently bringing more than two decades of Obolon football to an end.
The interruption proved brief. A new club was established in 2013 under the name Obolon-Brovar Kyiv. Although legally a new organisation, it was created to continue the football traditions of the former club and retained strong links with the Obolon brewery, stadium and local football community.
The new Obolon-Brovar began in the lower levels of Ukrainian football and quickly progressed through the professional system. The club established itself in the Ukrainian First League, regularly competing for promotion to the top flight.
In 2020, the club simplified its name from Obolon-Brovar Kyiv to FC Obolon Kyiv, restoring the historic name used by its predecessor. Its crest was adjusted accordingly while retaining the familiar green, white and red identity.
The club's progress continued despite the enormous disruption caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Ukrainian professional football resumed under wartime conditions, and Obolon became one of the strongest teams in the First League.
During the 2022–23 season, Obolon finished among the leading teams in the Ukrainian First League and secured promotion to the Ukrainian Premier League. The achievement returned the Obolon name to the highest level of Ukrainian football approximately a decade after the disappearance of the original club.
The club's nickname, “Pyvovary” (The Brewers), comes from its long association with the Obolon brewery, one of Ukraine's best-known beverage producers. This connection has played an important role in both the historic and modern versions of the club.
Although Obolon has never achieved the trophy success of Kyiv neighbours Dynamo Kyiv, its identity is very different. Whereas Dynamo developed into a national and European institution, Obolon has traditionally represented a more local side of Kyiv football, with particularly strong roots in its home district.
