Barcelona drop their official away kit for new season with rumours of special Classico shirt

Get ready, Culers and basketball fans alike, because FC Barcelona has just dropped their official away kit for the 2025/26 season, and it's an absolute slam dunk of a new kit. In a truly unique collaboration, Nike has teamed up with the brand of the late, great Kobe Bryant to create a jersey that transcends the sport, blending Barça's iconic footballing identity with the "Mamba Mentality."

Barcelona showed the design in a captivating concept video titled "Mamba Rondo," featuring stars from both the men's and women's first teams. This wasn't just about showcasing a new kit, it was about celebrating a shared philosophy of relentless pursuit of greatness, a mindset epitomized and shown throughout his career by arguably the greatest NBA star of the 21st centruy, Kobe Bryant himself.

Inspired by Bryant's iconic "Black Mamba" persona, the kit boasts a striking Team Gold hue, accented with bold Persian violet and sleek black. These aren't just random colors for this kit, they're a direct nod to the vibrant jerseys Kobe famously wore throughout his illustrious NBA career. But the tribute doesn't stop there: a subtle, yet powerful, Kobe Sheath logo with a snakeskin-textured finish is prominently incorporated into the design, serving as a constant reminder of his indomitable spirit.

Of course, the kit wouldn't be complete without its sponsors. Spotify takes center stage on the front, while the sleeve sponsorships offer a touch of variety, with Ambilight gracing the men's kit and Bimbo adorning the women's. The accompanying black shorts feature elegant Persian violet accents and a discreet snakeskin print, perfectly complementing the black socks that proudly display "Barça" in violet lettering.

Kobe may not have been a die-hard soccer fan, but there’s no doubt he was a true Culer, a passionate supporter of FC Barcelona. His admiration for the club was both public and personal. Kobe visited the team multiple times, making appearances alongside players during Barça’s U.S. tours and a visit to Spain in 2006, 2007, 2011, and 2015. His connection to the squad wasn’t just for show, it was marked by a genuine respect and heartfelt admiration that transcended sports, showing a happiness to pose alongside Andres Iniesta, Ronaldinho and co.

Following his untimely death in a helicopter crash in 2020, FC Barcelona paid tribute to Kobe Bryant in a way that reflected the depth of their connection. Through heartfelt messages across their official platforms, the club mourned the loss of a global icon—one who had always stood with them in spirit. Now, in a powerful full-circle moment, Barça proudly wears the colors of a legend who once wore theirs in admiration. The legacy lives on.

Special shirt

A special edition shirt is rumored to be in the works for this season’s El Clásico fixtures. The design reportedly pays tribute to the iconic 2005 showdown at the Santiago Bernabéu, where FC Barcelona stunned the football world with a masterclass in dominance. That unforgettable night saw even Real Madrid fans rise to applaud the brilliance of Ronaldinho, a moment forever etched in Clásico history.

The rumored kit features a bold vertical zig-zag pattern in classic blaugrana colors set against a deep blue backdrop, paired with striking red shorts. Notably, the unofficial design omits any visible sponsor logo, sparking speculation that Spotify may once again step aside to highlight a musical artist—following last year’s special editions featuring Coldplay, Travis Scott, and Taylor Swift.