VfL Wolfsburg has officially reintroduced its historic "Zinnenwappen" (battlement crest), a decision that has resonated deeply with the club's fanbase during a challenging 2025/26 BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga season. The return to an emblem with profound historical ties to both the club and the city of Wolfsburg marks a significant moment in the club's identity.
The reintroduction of the traditional battlement crest commenced with VfL Wolfsburg's match against FC Bayern MunichTeam·Bayern Munich on May 9, 2026. While the new crest is being implemented across club operations immediately, its transition onto playing kits will be gradual. Due to the nearly two-year lead times required for kit production with technical sponsor Nike, the previous circular logo will still feature on the regular home, away, and third kits for the upcoming 2026/27 season. However, a special edition jersey showcasing the new battlement crest is confirmed for release during the 2026/27 campaign, with the full on-pitch transition for all regular matchwear anticipated by the 2027/28 season. The visual identity around the stadium and club facilities will also be updated progressively.
The decision to reinstate the "Zinnenwappen" was the culmination of a months-long collaborative process. This involved representatives from VfL Wolfsburg-Fußball GmbH, VfL Wolfsburg e.V., the Supervisory Board, the fan scene, and the city, with support from design agencies ATELIER SASSERATH x MUTABOR. Fan groups have actively campaigned for the return of the historic crest for over two decades, consistently displaying it on flags and banners within the stadium.
Sebastian Rudolph, Chairman of the VfL Supervisory Board, underscored the significance of the change. "VfL Wolfsburg looks back on more than 80 years of history. The battlement crest has been a central element from the very beginning. The battlements create a sense of identity and embody tradition." He further added, "We deliberately took our time with this decision and made it together. Within a collective that unites all sports and brings all people together. The battlement crest is a defining element of our club culture."
Fan representative Marvin Minner described the moment as "historic and incredibly emotional." He stated, "We have been campaigning for the return of the battlements for over 20 years. It is the most defining element of our fan culture – today it is returning permanently across the entire club."
Managing Director Michael Meeske highlighted the broader message conveyed by the new emblem. "At a time when nothing seems clear anymore, symbols are becoming increasingly important. Our emblem deliberately sends a signal for the community in the region, for shared responsibility towards one another, and enables an impressive connection between past and future."
This reintroduction of the historic crest arrives at a critical juncture for VfL Wolfsburg, as the club is currently embroiled in a difficult relegation battle in the BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga during the 2025/26 season. As of May 11, 2026, Wolfsburg occupies 16th place in the BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga table with 26 points, identical to St. PauliTeam·St. Pauli (17th) and Heidenheim (18th). Their position outside the automatic relegation spots is solely determined by goal difference.
VfL Wolfsburg's form this season has been challenging, with the team losing 59.26% of their matches. They have secured only 6 wins, 8 draws, and suffered 19 losses in their 33 BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga matches, winning just 18% of their games. Their home form has been particularly concerning, with only 2 wins, 4 draws, and 11 losses. The club has not registered a victory in their last 10 consecutive matches and has lost their last 4 home games in a row. They have averaged 1.3 goals scored per game while conceding 2.11 goals per game.
Heading into the final matchday (Matchday 34) of the 2025/26 BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga campaign, Wolfsburg faces St. PauliTeam·St. Pauli in a direct relegation showdown. Simultaneously, Heidenheim will play Mainz. Two of these three teams will face automatic relegation to the second tier, while one will enter the relegation play-off. Despite their struggles, Wolfsburg had shown a slight improvement in form recently, going three BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga matches without defeat for the first time since the end of the previous year (one win, two draws) before their 0-1 loss to Bayern MunichTeam·Bayern Munich. This brief unbeaten run had lifted them to 16th place, moving them out of the direct relegation spots for the first time since Matchday 23.
FC Bayern's Nicolas Jackson challenges VfL Wolfsburg's Januel Belocian. Photo: Claus Bergmann/IMAGO
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