REVEALED: Here's What Inspired the Nike 18-19 Third Kits
Sep 17, 2018, by Pat
Nike introduced the concept of 'global' third kits back in 2014-15. After four seasons of relatively templated efforts, the company felt that it was time for a change.
This is evidenced by the brand-new Nike 18-19 third kits, which, while sharing a common theme, feature quite distinct designs. All of them boast a graphic showing a map of the club's home city or neighborhood and, on top of that, design cues were taken from iconic jerseys of the past.
Nel nome di Milano, dalle mani di Milan. È così che abbiamo scolpito la terza divisa della stagione. pic.twitter.com/GQkba3d3nF
— Inter (@Inter) September 15, 2018
First spotted by the great guys over at La Casaca, let's take a look at what inspired the Nike 2018-2019 third kits for the likes of Barcelona, Manchester City, Tottenham and more.
Atlético Madrid
The Atlético Madrid 2018-2019 third uniform features a trident graphic paying homage to the Fountain of Neptune where the Colchoneros traditionally celebrate their titles with the fans.
The base of the design is an aerial map of Madrid, which is distorted through the famous stripes of the Atlético jersey. This marks the location of the fountain.
Chelsea
The Chelsea 18-19 third kit features a dynamic textural print on the shirt’s center that seems to be a contemporary pattern at first glance, but upon closer inspection transforms into an aerial depiction of Stamford Bridge and its surrounding area.
Galatasaray
Galatasaray's 2018-2019 third kit features a Bosporus-inspired design.
Inter
Inter Milan's 2018-2019 third jersey is formed by Milan’s iconic Duomo, along with its famous marble floors. The kit is really "steeped in local heritage and history."
“We feel this kit is rich in Inter DNA,” says Pete Hoppins, Nike Football Apparel Senior Design Director. “The Duomo and the St. George cross are Milanese icons and mean a lot to the Inter supporters. This kit is about Inter’s identity and paying tribute to the city and the people they represent.”
The Internazionale 18-19 third kit kit features a distorted map of Milan's city center within a swirling marbled graphic. The pattern surrounds a thick, dark gray cross, which is a reference to the Cross of St. George, a powerful Milanese symbol found on the city’s coat of arms. For a final flourish, the famous blue of Inter’s home shirt makes an appearance in the form of a blue Swoosh and club crest.
Manchester City
The sash has been a prominent feature of many Manchester City away and third kits throughout the years and was most recently used on the special 'Champions' shirt released at the end of last season.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham's third kit is inspired by the club's North London district and the iconic classic Spurs Hummel kit from 1978.
Roma
The rich and unique history of the "Eternal City" is at the heart of AS Roma’s new 2018-19 third kit.
“For 2018-19, our third kits have been exploring the cities these clubs represent, and in the case of Rome, what really makes it special is this long and colorful history, full of myth and legend,” explains Pete Hoppins, Nike Football Apparel Senior Design Director. “We really wanted to delve into that and do it justice with this design.”
That includes a series of aerial map views of key moments in Roman history, from ancient times to present, to form a distinctive pattern for the fiery gold jersey.
For the Roma shirt, Nike has also (very subtly) put the iconic 'Lupetto' crest in the design - highlighted by us.
Barcelona
The Barcelona 18-19 third kit is inspired by Barcelona's famous Eixample district. It features pattern based on an aerial view of Barcelona’s famous Eixample District and its blocks - the color of the shirt is similar to the colors of the city's rooftops.
Which of the Nike 18-19 third kits is your favorite? Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Bayern München 27-28 Away Kit New Prediction
Based on the leaked information, the kit designer JMFK have created the another prediction of the Adidas FC Bayern München 2027-2028 away kit. Please note that this design remains highly speculative.
No More Volt: Reebok Santa Cruz 26-27 Third Kit Released
Brazilian club Santa Cruz FC and Reebok have officially unveiled the team's new third kit for the 26-27 season. Titled "A Profecia de 57", the special-edition release celebrates two defining moments in the club's history: the 1957 anthem written by Capiba that coined the nickname "O Terror do Nordeste", and the 2016 Copa do Nordeste title that fulfilled the prophecy ten years ago.
The Reebok Santa Cruz 26-27 third jersey introduces an elegant black and gold design. Across the black base, intricate golden fractured lines trace the geographical outline of Brazil's Northeast region. The front of the shirt features Santa Cruz's classic interlocking SCFC monogram badge rendered in metallic gold, mirrored by Reebok's vector logo on the opposite side. A sharp v-neck collar with gold trim and matching sleeve cuffs complete the look.
Subtle commemorative emblems highlighting "A Profecia de 57" and "O Terror do Nordeste" decorate the release alongside gold numbering on the reverse. Matching black shorts and socks with gold accents complete the new Santa Cruz third uniform.
Club Africain 26-27 Third Kit Released
Following the unveiling of their home kit earlier two weeks ago, Tunisian giants Club Africain and technical sponsor Kelme have officially launched the club's new third kit for the 26-27 campaign.
The Kelme Club Africain 26-27 third jersey delivers a sleek and stealthy design, featuring a black base elevated by an intricate tonal graphic pattern with calligraphic undertones across the front and sleeves. Strong contrast comes via the classic fold-over collar, styled in red with thin white tipping, matched by solid red sleeve cuffs. Below the rear collar, the shirt includes the club motto "Beyond the last breath" stamped in red.
The shirt is finished with white details for the Kelme paw logo and front sponsor Ooredoo, sitting alongside the traditional red and white Club Africain crest. Matching black shorts and socks complete the full look for the Tunisian side.
Adidas Marseille 27-28
No more Puma - the return of the Three Stripes. More about the Marseille 27-28 kits very soon on Footy Headlines (and already on Kit Creator).
