Manchester City & PUMA launch the 25/26 Away Kit inspired by the club's oldest-known kit

Manchester City FC and global sportswear giant PUMA have officially launched the new 2025/26 Manchester City Away kit, a striking all-black design that pays homage to the club’s earliest identity while introducing a modern aesthetic that embodies elegance, legacy, and innovation. Inspired by Manchester City's oldest-known kit from 1884, this new release not only celebrates the club’s deep-rooted heritage but also sets the tone for a bold future in football fashion.

Honouring City’s Origins with a Contemporary Twist

The design of the new Manchester City 25/26 Away jersey is steeped in history. It draws its inspiration from the club’s very first kit, worn during its Gorton roots in the late 19th century. The all-black base colour is a respectful nod to this foundational era, while metallic silver accents and a classic white-trimmed collar add a modern flair that fuses past and present.

Marco Mueller, PUMA’s Senior Director of Product Line Management – Performance Apparel, expressed pride in the collaboration:

“Reimagining Manchester City’s oldest-known kit was a special honour for us, not many people would know that black was the original colour of the Club, and we love to celebrate the culture and identity of our Clubs and what sets them apart. Being able to bring an all-black kit was exciting and gave us the opportunity to do something new with the Away jersey. Another first is that this is the first time PUMA has ever shot a campaign fully in black and white which really ties in beautifully to the design of the kit.”

Nuria Tarre, Chief Marketing & Fan Experience Officer for City Football Group, praised the release: “We are delighted to unveil this season’s Away kit to fans for the first time – a powerful tribute to our earliest-known kit, when the Club was based in Gorton, Manchester. The striking all-black design is a fresh take on a traditional kit with a sleek, contemporary edge.”

“Our fans have always had a deep appreciation for kits that honour the Club’s history, and this kit does exactly that. It’s a bold expression of our identity that we hope will soon become a favourite amongst our passionate fanbase.”

Speaking on the design, Dr Gary James, Manchester football historian, said: “It’s fantastic to see Manchester City reference the earliest-known kit in the Club’s history in the new Away kit for the 2025/26 season. The black shirt design is a respectful nod to City’s early years, a significant symbol of the Club’s origin story, and it is fitting to see that legacy honoured through a modern interpretation that reminds us all how far we’ve come.”

When and where to get the 25/26 Manchester City Away Kit

The new Manchester City Away kit 2025/26 will make its on-pitch debut on Saturday, August 9, during a pre-season friendly match against Palermo at the Stadio Renzo Barbera in Italy.

Fans can purchase the kit starting Thursday, July 18, from:

• PUMA.com
• Manchester City Official Stores
• Select sportswear retailers worldwide

The jersey is available in both Authentic and Replica versions. The Authentic Jersey, worn by the players, is crafted with PUMA’s ULTRAWEAVE fabric, which reduces weight and friction for elite-level performance. The Replica Jersey offers the same striking look with a more relaxed fit, perfect for both match days and everyday wear. Both versions incorporate PUMA’s dryCELL sweat-wicking technology to keep fans and players dry and comfortable.

Reflecting PUMA’s commitment to sustainability, the Replica jerseys are made using the RE:FIBRE initiative, utilizing recycled textile waste to create new materials without compromising quality. Containing at least 95% recycled textile waste and other used polyester materials, this initiative represents a significant step towards a more circular and sustainable production process for football jerseys.

Why this Kit launch matters

This launch is more than just another kit reveal. It symbolizes Manchester City's continuous evolution, embracing the club’s historic Gorton roots while pushing forward with innovative design and sustainability. At a time when the club is making record-breaking commercial deals, including a reported £1 billion extension with PUMA until 2035 — this release is yet another testament to Manchester City’s growing global brand value and influence in modern football.

SportsLigue