Each new season, the launch of football uniforms goes beyond just sportswear. These pieces are symbolic, representing club identity, fan passion, and the promise of new achievements. For the 2025/26 season, Manchester City and PUMA have captured the football world's attention with a collection that is both talked about and performance-driven. The partnership, extending to 2029 with a £65 million per year deal, balances the club's heritage with technological innovation.
This year's launch is a narrative. The club and PUMA created a campaign that delves into City's history, celebrates its fans, and highlights innovation. A launch film at the Clayton Official Supporters Club featured club legends, current players, and fans, creating authenticity and connection to the club's roots. This aims to build a deeper emotional bond. The promise: innovative designs honoring the past, cutting-edge technology for performance, and a commitment to sustainability.
The Main Kit: The Tradition of the Diagonal Sash Reborn at Home
A Visual Revolution: The Diagonal Sash Debuts on the Home Kit
The highlight of the 2025/26 collection is the home kit. Maintaining the "sky blue" color, PUMA introduced a bold white diagonal sash, a first for Manchester City's home shirt. This element, historically for away kits, is a significant change. The shirt is complemented by black accents, including "CITY" on the nape of the neck. The shorts are white with sky blue details, and the socks are blue with a black stripe. This design underscores a desire to innovate.
Inspiration and Historical Legacy
The diagonal sash is a tribute to the club's past. The design references the 1970s away kits worn by legends like Mike Summerbee, Colin Bell, Francis Lee, and Tony Book. The intention, as stated by the club and PUMA, is to "connect the past with a futuristic design, uniting different generations of City fans."
The presence of Mike Summerbee, Club Ambassador, is crucial for legitimizing this innovation. Summerbee said, "Uniforms hold special memories for players and fans. The sash has always been a beloved design, and I am delighted to see it return this year, in a home kit." This validation helps transition a traditionally "away" element to the home kit.
Essential Table: Details of the Manchester City 2025/26 Home Kit
Here are the key details of the new home kit:
| Feature | Description |
| Primary Color | Sky Blue |
| Main Design | White diagonal sash |
| Inspiration | Historical away kits from the 70s, club legends |
| Technology (Authentic) | PUMA ULTRAWEAVE (reduces weight and friction), PUMA dryCELL (sweat absorption) |
| Technology (Replica) | PUMA dryCELL (sweat absorption) |
| Sustainability (Replica) | RE:FIBRE initiative (minimum of 95% recycled textile waste) |
| Sponsors | Etihad Airways (front), OKX (sleeve) |
| Availability | From May 13, 2025 (official stores, PUMA.com, retailers) |
| Debut | FIFA Club World Cup (Summer 2025, USA) |
This sash decision is a calculated strategy. In a competitive market, PUMA and City aim for a design that stands out and reinforces brand identity. By linking this innovation to the 70s, they make the change more acceptable. The "uniting generations" narrative attracts both older and younger fans. While change carries risk, this boldness may solidify the design as a new icon.
Cutting-Edge Performance Technology
Beyond design, performance is key. The Authentic version uses PUMA ULTRAWEAVE fabric, reducing weight and friction. Both Authentic and Replica versions use PUMA dryCELL technology for sweat absorption. This differentiation justifies the price variation.
Commitment to Sustainability: The RE:FIBRE Initiative
The Replica shirts are produced through PUMA's RE:FIBRE initiative. This uses at least 95% recycled textile waste to create new fabrics. This is a step towards a more sustainable production cycle.
Marco Mueller of PUMA stated, "With our partnership, we do things differently and want to push boundaries in terms of design, creativity, and innovation." Sustainability is integral to their philosophy.
Launch and Availability
The new kit launched on May 13, 2025. Fans can purchase it through the club's website, official stores, PUMA.com, and retailers. Club Members and Seasoncard holders get a 10% discount. The new font for player names and numbers will be available from May 19, 2025.
Debut on the Pitch: Global Stage
The men's team will debut the kit at the FIFA Club World Cup in the USA. This maximizes visibility and impact on a global scale.
Goalkeeper Kits: Vibrant Colors and Bold Design
Goalkeeper kits feature striking designs and colors. Two options were revealed: green with orange and pink, and pink with blue. These follow PUMA's trend of visually impactful kits.
A yellow model will launch later. Like the outfield kits, the goalkeeper kits have Authentic and Replica versions with relevant technologies. The kits include breathable mesh panels and curved side seams. They are already available for purchase.
The goalkeeper kits reflect a bold visual identity. The color combinations are striking, and the same technologies ensure consistent quality.
Anticipating the Future: What About the Away and Third Kits?
While the initial launch focused on the home and goalkeeper kits, fans are curious about the away and third kits. Leaks and rumors have circulated.
Away Kit: Sober Elegance in Black
Leaked information suggests a predominantly black away kit with white logos and details. The design is described as "simple" with a polo collar. Manchester City has used black away kits recently, making it a popular choice. The expected launch is between July and August 2025.
Third Kit: The Controversy of Rain Drops and Neon Green
The third kit leaks have generated controversy. The base color is a light silver-gray, with a graphic print resembling rain drops or "molten metal." Logos and details are a vibrant neon green. The shorts are white. The expected launch is between August and September 2025. This design is a high-risk move.
This radical design appears to be a deliberate tactic to generate discussion, even if negative. Controversial designs often get media coverage and social media engagement. Third kits often aim for a younger audience that values bolder designs. PUMA has a history of bold designs for Manchester City. This strategy could create "cult" items or memorable pieces.
The Voice of the Fans and Media: First Impressions and Passionate Debates
The kit launch sparked reactions from fans and the media.
Reactions to the Home Kit: A Mix of Nostalgia and Skepticism
The home kit divided opinions. Many appreciated the boldness and connection to history, while others criticized the design. Some found it unfinished or felt the sash made it look like a third kit. The high cost was a recurring issue.
Reaction (Mostly Negative) to Third Kit Leaks: "The Worst in History?"
The reaction to the third kit leaks has been overwhelmingly negative. Descriptions like "one of the worst kit designs in recent history" were common. Some fans even called for a return to Nike.
The visceral reaction to the leaked third kit creates a marketing challenge for PUMA and Manchester City. The credibility of these leaks is reinforced by the accuracy of previous leaks.
Kit leaks play a significant role in public perception, often before official releases. They generate anticipation and speculation. Social media amplifies these reactions. This represents a challenge for brands, who lose control over the narrative. A negative initial reception can affect sales and brand image.
Conclusion: Wear the Cityzen Passion in the New Season
The 2025/26 Manchester City kit collection is full of narratives and contrasts. From the diagonal sash in the home kit to the vibrant goalkeeper kits and the controversial third kit leaks, these pieces are designed to provoke reactions.
More than just sportswear, these kits represent a fusion of the club's tradition, PUMA's innovation, and the Cityzen community's spirit. They invite fans to connect with the club, wearing colors and symbols of hope and ambition for the new season.
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