On Pitch: Spain 2018 World Cup Qualifiers Away Kit - Pique Explains Strange Kit That Ultimately Causes National Team Retirement After World Cup
Oct 10, 2016, by Chris
Update: Gerard Pique has declared that he cut off his long sleeve jersey because it fitted not well and not because he did not want to show off the Spanish flag, as previously reported by Spanish newspapers. He additionally also announced that he will retire from the Spanish national team after the 2018 World Cup because of those 'discredit campaigns' by Spanish newspapers, while the most recent story about the kit would have been the straw that breaks the glass. Read the official statement of Spain's football federation.
Spain today debuted their clean new 2018 World Cup Qualifiers away kit in today's match against Albania. And while everything was as expected at first glance, it was Pique's jersey that caught our attention in the match because of its 'strange look'.
Spain 2018 World Cup Qualifiers Away Kit - On-Pitch Debut
Here are some pictures of the Pique's unique Spain 2016-2017 away strip from the match.
Spain's 2018 World Cup Qualifiers away kit features a clean design in white with only subtle red and yellow details (probably only released to avoid kit clashes - more on that later). However, whereas the kit of the likes of Isco and Sergio Ramos was as expected, Pique's shirt stood out because it came without yellow and red details on the sleeve cuffs - because he cut off this part of the jersey (He usually wears long sleeves).
But while Pique's shirt was quite strange and new, the shorts, the socks and the numbers were nothing new and just as those from the Euro.
Happy with the new Spain away kit? What do you think of Pique's version? Do you know the reason why he cut if off? Drop us a line below.
Aston Villa 26-27 Third Kit On Sale Early in Adidas Store
Aston Villa's 26-27 third kit has gone on sale early at an official Adidas store in Tenerife ahead of its official launch.
Photos shared by supporter @squirrelvilla confirmed that the complete strip was available to buy in Playa De Las Americas, giving fans an early look at the new shirt and matching shorts in hand.
The Adidas Aston Villa 26-27 third shirt features a light icy blue base covered in an elaborate, repeating swirl pattern across the front and sleeves. Claret detailing highlights the crew neck collar, sleeve cuffs, and signature Three Stripes, while both the centered Adidas logo and Aston Villa crest sit prominently on the chest. The version bought in store was sold without a main front sponsor.
FC Penafiel 26-27 Home Kit Released
Portuguese Liga 2 club FC Penafiel has officially launched its new home kit for the 26-27 season, produced by Nike. The release heralds a new kit deal for the club, leaning into a classic aesthetic that honors their traditional Rubro-Negro identity.
The Nike FC Penafiel 26-27 home jersey is predominantly red, styled with a contrasting black polo collar and open v-neck cut. Adding to the retro design, the club badge is set within a dark circular crest frame on the left chest, accompanied by a black Nike Swoosh and white Abanca sponsorship branding across the chest.
The FC Penafiel 26-27 home shirt is available now through the club's official webshop, priced at €59.99.
Nigeria Women Update Crest With 10 Stars
At the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), defending champions Nigeria featured a special detail on their shirts: 10 stars added above their crest. The "Super Falcons" had never worn stars on their kits in previous WAFCONs.
The 10 stars represent Nigeria's 10 continental titles, celebrating their history as the most dominant team in African women's football. Big thanks to our Vietnamese partner @jerseystory_vn for the collage image.
