Adidas MLS 2021 Authentic vs Replica Kits - Horrible For Some Teams
Mar 27, 2021, by Chris
Update: Many more Adidas 2021 MLS jerseys have been released. Some 'replica' jerseys like the Seattle Sounders 2021 Jimmy Hendrix lack especially many details, while others like New York City FC's look also good in the replica version.
Adidas these days releases their new 2021 MLS kits. However, just as in previous years, the Three Stripes brand heavily differentiates between the 'authentic' (Player Issue) and 'replica' (Fan) kits. We compare them to find out what the differences are.
Adidas MLS 2021 Authentic vs Replica Kits
There are many differences between the Adidas MLS 2021 Authentic vs Replica Kits, of which not all can be seen at first glance. So we split up the different parts of a kit to make it as easy as possible for you.
Design
The authentic Adidas MLS 2021 kits have some major design differences for many teams. Most importantly, they lack elements such as colored sleeve cuffs and differently colored collars.
Adidas' replica kits for their European teams do not have these design differences
Adidas' replica / authentic kits for their European teams do not have such design differences at all...
Badges & Sponsors
The replica Adidas MLS 2021 jerseys not only have differently applied badges but also lack some important logos.
Authentic Adidas MLS kits have heat-sealed logos, while the replica kits have sewn on Embroidered team crests. Authentic kits have sleeve sponsors and the MLS badge, while replica kits have not logos on the sleeves at all.
What is a bit more ridiculous is that the replica MLS kits do not have stars above the team's crest.
The replica kits now come with the pride tags on the bottom hem
What is better than with previous MLS kits is that now both the authentic and replica kits come with the pride tags on the bottom hem and the back under the collar.
Technologies
In terms of tech, the Adidas authentic and replica MLS kits have the same differences as Adidas' best teams kits
Tech-wise it is the same as for 'global' Adidas teams
The authentic 'player issue' kits have a slimmer, athletic fit, HEAT.RDY technology and other features made for optimal ventilation and lightweight.
The replica 'fan' kits have a relaxed fit and AEROREADY technology.
What is quite confusing is that MLS' store photoshopped some of the authentic kit images - so the back view of some authentic kits use images from the replica kits, just with an added MLS logo.
The image of the back of the authentic MLS Philadelphia Union replica kit shows the replica version on the official website...
Adidas MLS 2021 Authentic Kits - Technology
- Fit: Authentic Jerseys have a slimmer, athletic fit. For a looser fit, we recommend ordering one size larger than you normally wear.
- Material: 100% Polyester
- HEAT.RDY technology is breathable and air-cooling to keep you performing at your best.
- Tagless collar for added comfort
- Ventilated mesh panel inserts
- Heat-sealed adidas ® logo on right chest
- Back neck taping –no irritating stitch on the back neck
- Heat-sealed team crest on left chest
- Heat-sealed sponsor logo on chest
Adidas MLS 2021 Replica Kits - Technology
- Fit: Replica Jerseys fit true to size.
- Material: 100% Polyester
- AEROREADY technology absorbs moisture and makes you feel dry
- Heat-sealed sponsor logo on chest
- Ventilated mesh panel inserts
- Backneck taping –no irritating stitch on the back
- Sewn on embroidered team crest on left chest
- Embroidered adidas ® logo on right chest
- Tagless collar for added comfort
Price
The Adidas authentic 2021 MLS kits retail at 135 USD, while the replica kits are available for 90 USD.
What do you think of these differences? Would you buy a replica or authentic MLS kit? Comment below.
Indonesia 2026 Third Kit Released
Spanish sportswear brand Kelme and the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) have officially launched the new Indonesia 2026 third shirt. The fresh strip is scheduled to make its competitive debut during the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup.
Departing from the team's traditional red and white colors, the Kelme Indonesia 2026 third jersey is predominantly light blue, drawing inspiration from the nation's vast seas and maritime identity. The front of the shirt features vertical stripes filled with floral graphics honoring the puspa bangsa, Indonesia's national jasmine flower. A classic white polo collar and matching white sleeve cuffs add a clean, retro touch to the design.
The kit is made from a lightweight, breathable jacquard material engineered for performance in tropical climates and is available in both Player Issue and Replica versions.
AC Monza 26-27 Third Kit Released
AC Monza have officially unveiled their new third kit for the 26-27 campaign, designed by technical sponsor Nike. Completing the club's matchwear set alongside the previously launched home and away shirts, the design is heavily influenced by the city's renowned motorsport heritage and the iconic Autodromo Nazionale Monza racetrack.
The Nike AC Monza 26-27 third shirt features a sleek black base highlighted by a vertical red stripe running down the left side beneath the team badge, bordered with crisp white outlining. A white Nike Swoosh sits on the right chest, while the DAZN Bet Club sponsor emblem is displayed across the front of the jersey.
The new strip marks another release in the first season of Monza's partnership with Nike, who took over from longtime kit manufacturer Lotto for 26-27. The jersey is now available for purchase through the club's official online shop and select retailers.
Nick Woltemade Spotted in Camouflaged Adidas F50 Boots Disguised as Predator 26
German forward Nick Woltemade has once again caught the attention of boot spotters following his loan switch to Juventus for the 26-27 season. In training sessions with the Bianconeri, the 24-year-old was seen wearing a bespoke pair of Adidas boots featuring a clever optical illusion: a laceless Adidas F50 speed boot disguised as a Predator 26. Big thanks to sr4u.
At first glance, the footwear mimics the visual language of the Predator silo, complete with simulated rubber strike elements and bold graphic patterning. A closer look, however, immediately reveals the telltale silhouette of the laceless F50. The boots feature the aerodynamic shape, seamless upper, and lightweight sole plate of the speed boot, with the Predator rubber fins merely printed onto the smooth synthetic shell rather than physically present.
This is not the first time Woltemade has turned heads with this specific setup. He was previously spotted in similar disguised F50 boots while on international duty with Germany earlier this year. Custom camouflage of this variety typically occurs when a player relies on the lightweight build and locked-in feel of a speed silo while marketing alignment or personal styling favors the identity of another line.
CA Peñarol 2026 135th Anniversary Kit Released - Honoring CURCC Roots
Puma and Uruguayan giants Club Atlético Peñarol have officially unveiled a special commemorative kit celebrating the club's 135th anniversary. Founded on September 28, 1891, as the Central Uruguay Railway Cricket Club (CURCC), Peñarol traditionally honors its rich history each September with a bespoke commemorative release.
The Peñarol 2026 135th anniversary shirt takes direct inspiration from the early uniforms worn during the team's formative years. It features a distinctive half-and-half layout, combining a solid black left side with thin yellow and black vertical stripes running down the right. The long sleeves mirror the split design of the body, complemented by a classic black polo collar detailed with subtle yellow trim.
Completing the heritage aesthetic, a retro CURCC shield encircled by golden laurel branches replaces the club's contemporary badge on the chest. The reverse side features vintage stitched-effect white numbering and the historic Decano inscription above the player name, while all sponsor logos appear in gold.
Sporting Cristal 26-27 Special Kit Released
Puma and Peruvian powerhouse Sporting Cristal have officially launched a special retro kit for the 26-27 season. The limited-edition release pays homage to one of the most celebrated eras in the club's history, faithfully reviving their iconic look from the early 1970s.
The Puma Sporting Cristal 26-27 special jersey comes in a rich royal blue base, contrasted by clean white trim along the crew-neck collar and sleeve cuffs. Presented in an authentic long-sleeve cut, the shirt prominently features the club's vintage crest on the left chest, complete with the Peruvian flag motif across the top. With a subtle Puma cat logo and the total absence of front-of-shirt sponsors, the kit maintains an ultra-clean, collector-focused aesthetic reminiscent of the 1970 and 1972 title-winning teams.
The new special shirt joins Sporting Cristal's 2026 wardrobe alongside the previously launched home kit and vibrant geometric third strip, offering fans a timeless piece of club heritage.
FC Tokyo 26-27 Third Kit Released
J1 League club FC Tokyo has officially revealed its new 26-27 third kit produced by New Balance. Following the club's full collection unveiled earlier in the summer, the new third uniform builds on the overarching dawn theme with a distinct design concept titled "THE BORDERLESS BALANCE".
The New Balance FC Tokyo 26-27 third shirt combines New Balance's signature gray tone with deep navy to capture the transition from night to dawn over the capital. Subtle red gradient streaks emerge along the shoulders and bottom hem, adding a dynamic accent to the dark base. All sponsor logos and the FC Tokyo crest are applied in clean monochrome white, creating a sleek lifestyle-friendly look.
FC Tokyo will debut the 26-27 third kit in J1 League action in February 2027 against V-Varen Nagasaki and JEF United Chiba.
No More Hummel: Stimulus Puerto Rico 2026 Home & Away Kits Released
The Puerto Rican Football Federation (FPF) has officially launched its new home and away kits for the 26-27 cycle, marking the beginning of a technical partnership with American sportswear brand Stimulus Athletic. The Minneapolis-based custom kit maker takes over the apparel duties for El Huracán Azul, officially replacing previous supplier Hummel.
The new home shirt boasts a bold geometric pattern in deep blue and black shades, inspired by the historic cobblestones of Old San Juan alongside the luminous glow of Puerto Rico's world-famous bioluminescent bays. The striking mosaic extends across the entire front and sleeves, complemented by subtle teal accents along the collar and cuff trims. Black shorts and blue socks complete the primary uniform.
In contrast, the away jersey provides a crisp white design adorned with details drawn directly from the national flag. It features dynamic red striping down the flanks that fades into a digital gradient towards the hem, flanked by cyan and red accents on the collar and sleeve cuffs. Both shirts are available for $80 through the official FPF online store, alongside dedicated goalkeeper versions.
Official 26-27 TV Scoreboard Of Top European Competitions
Following the start of the 26-27 season, we have had a complete view over every official TV scoreboard of the biggest European competitions. Though there are mostly no changes, we can see how many of the top leagues are adapting the current trend of minimalistic designs.
Join us to take a look at current scoreboard graphics from Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League. Huge thanks to our partner @whatthekit_x for amazing compilation.
