As Manchester City prepares for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, they have unveiled their new home kit for the 2025-26 season. This bold design marks a significant departure from their traditional look, incorporating a retro sash that has never before graced their home shirt.

The Design

The new kit features a sky-blue base with a wispy white diagonal sash running from the left shoulder to the right hemline, reminiscent of a cirrus cloud. This design pays homage to the sash that first appeared on City's alternate kits in the 1972-73 season. The sleeves and the back of the collar are adorned with white detailing, adding a modern touch to the retro-inspired design.

The Inspiration

The sash design has been a semi-regular feature on City's away and third kits since its introduction in the 1970s. The most memorable modern iteration was the 2009-2011 third shirt, which featured a white base with a red-and-black sash. This new home kit aims to capture the nostalgia of those designs while setting a fresh tone for the upcoming season.

The Campaign

Manchester City will debut their new kit at the FIFA Club World Cup, which runs from June 14 to July 13 and features 32 teams. City is set to play at least three group-stage matches, facing Morocco's Wydad AC in Philadelphia on June 18, the UAE's Al-Ain in Atlanta on June 22, and Serie A giants Juventus in Orlando on June 26.

The Ambition

After a challenging 2024-25 season, City is eager to start afresh. Winning the FIFA Club World Cup would not only add another prestigious title to their collection but also make this new kit an instant classic among fans. The team first achieved world champion status in 2023 under the Club World Cup's former format, and they aim to repeat that success with this bold new look.

The Stars

The kit has been modeled by City stars including Phil Foden, Oscar Bobb, Alex Greenwood, and Erling Haaland, showcasing the blend of tradition and innovation that defines this new design. As City steps onto the global stage, this kit represents both their heritage and their ambition for the future.