FC Barcelona Unveils their Away Kit for 2025/26 Season

FC Barcelona has released its 2025/26 away kit, developed in collaboration with Nike and the Kobe Bryant brand, signalling a brand crossover that merges global sporting legacies.

The kit’s design references the late basketball icon’s “Mamba Mentality” and features his signature “Kobe Sheath” logo, marking a rare intersection between professional football and basketball apparel branding.

The partnership aims to leverage Bryant’s enduring influence, particularly in global markets where basketball and football fanbases overlap, such as North America and parts of Asia.

The new away kit, shown in a Team Gold colourway with Persian violet and black detailing, draws clear inspiration from Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers uniform palette.

Notably, the snakeskin-style texturing and 3D silicone elements are uncommon in football kit design, pointing to a deliberate attempt to diversify aesthetic appeal and tap into lifestyle apparel trends.

The collaboration carries commercial implications for Nike, who hold the technical sponsorship rights for both FC Barcelona and Bryant’s posthumous brand.

The kit’s dual branding, featuring both club and Kobe insignia, may allow Nike to position this product line across both football and basketball retail channels, enhancing its visibility and potential for global sales.

Additionally, the men’s kit retains the Spotify logo and Ambilight sleeve branding, while the women’s version includes Bimbo as sleeve sponsor.

This variation maintains consistent commercial visibility across both squads, while aligning with UEFA’s evolving sponsorship regulations and gender parity trends in kit design.

The unveiling campaign, “Mamba Rondo,” refers to Barcelona’s signature training drill and includes appearances from both men’s and women’s players.

The media rollout reinforces the club’s efforts to position itself at the intersection of sport and culture.

See the video for reference.

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