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.
Ederson Continues Cutting Sleeves at Fenerbahçe
Heading into his second season in the Süper Lig, the 33-year-old goalkeeper was once again spotted taking the pitch in a cut-sleeve jersey. Simply because Fenerbahçe does not offer a short-sleeve kit option from Adidas.
At his previous clubs like Rio Ave, Benfica, and Manchester City, Ederson always had short-sleeve versions to him. His time at Fenerbahçe marks one of the rare instances in his professional career where Ederson has worn long sleeves on the pitch.
Special thanks to What The Kit for the spot and the collage.
Bordeaux 26-27 Away Kit Released
Following the launch of their home strip, Girondins de Bordeaux and Hummel have officially unveiled the club's new away kit for the 26-27 season. Amidst severe off-pitch turmoil and administrative relegation to the amateur leagues, the French club has looked to the most celebrated period in its history for design inspiration, presenting a shirt that pays tribute to the famous 1986-87 double-winning side.
The Hummel Bordeaux 26-27 away jersey is predominantly white, framed by dark navy panels across the shoulders and sleeves that house the Danish brand's signature chevrons. A classic white polo collar features discreet red trim along the edges, which is echoed on the sleeve cuffs. Completing the retro aesthetic, the left chest bears the club's circular 1980s crest rather than the modern badge, delivering an unmistakable nod to the golden era.
Presented without a main shirt sponsor, the clean retro shirt maintains a bespoke feel despite the team competing outside the professional ranks in Régional 1. Hummel continues to stand by the club under its multi-year partnership, with the kit priced at €89.95.
Adidas Croatia 26-27 Away Kit Leaked - Replica Version
Following early physical store sightings in Asia last month, the all-new Croatia 2026-27 away shirt has now gone on sale online at retailers including Pro:Direct Sport and Adidas in China ahead of its formal launch. The jersey represents one of the marquee pieces of Croatia's brand-new technical partnership with Adidas, which officially commenced on August 1 following the end of the nation's 26-year relationship with Nike. Big thanks to @thekitsbaia for the heads-up.
The Adidas Originals Croatia 26-27 away jersey features an EQT Blue base covered in an intricate tonal graphic pattern celebrating traditional Croatian lacemaking, a UNESCO-recognized craft associated with Pag and Lepoglava. Bright red-orange details highlight the V-neck collar, sleeve cuffs, and the signature three stripes along the shoulders. In line with the Originals aesthetic, the shirt features the classic Trefoil logo in white alongside the full-color HNS federation badge, finished with a stylized "Hrvatska" wordmark printed on the upper back.
Buriram United 26-27 AFC Champions League Elite Kits Released
Thai powerhouse Buriram United have officially revealed their new kit collection for the 2026-27 AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) campaign. Continuing their established tradition, the club designs and produces their domestic league uniforms in-house while partnering with local brand EGO Sport to manufacture their bespoke kits for continental competition.
The Buriram United 26-27 ACLE home shirt features the club's signature deep navy hue, elevated with fine textural graphics and a smart polo collar with contrasting trim. The away kit delivers a crisp look in white, highlighted by vibrant mint and turquoise gradient detailing spanning the shoulders, sides, and collar accents. Both shirts are finished with color-matched monochrome logos and Chang sponsorship on the chest.
Alongside the outfield strips, EGO Sport and Buriram United have also introduced two striking goalkeeper options. The first goalkeeper jersey comes in an eye-catching yellow with black side panel accents, while the alternative keeper kit is presented in vivid pink paired with white details.
Legia Warsaw Hit Over 13,000 Kit Sales in Under Three Months
Polish giants Legia Warsaw are enjoying another impressive commercial run, having sold 13,307 official Adidas shirts for the 2026-27 season in less than three months. The club has released two kits so far, with both designed to celebrate its 110th anniversary: a white home shirt and a green away kit. The white version currently holds a slight lead in sales after being available for longer.
The figures highlight the rapid growth of Legia's retail business. Just four years ago, reaching a similar total of around 13,000 shirt sales took an entire season.
Legia's total is set to continue growing, with the club also planning to release a third kit later this season.
CS Marítimo 26-27 Third Kit Released
Portuguese side CS Marítimo and Danish brand Hummel have unveiled the club's new third kit for the 2026-27 campaign. The launch completes the club's wardrobe for their return to the Primeira Liga, following Hummel's comeback as the technical partner after replacing Puma.
The Hummel Marítimo 26-27 third shirt is predominantly wine red, decorated with an intricate tonal pattern across the front featuring ship helms and ropes woven over a subtle chevron jacquard texture. The shirt is finished with a retro-inspired white collar and cuffs, each highlighted with green and red trims that pay tribute to the club's traditional identity.
White is used for the Hummel branding and shoulder chevrons, as well as the bwin and Madeira Tourism sponsor prints. Centered on the chest is the silver league champions badge, honoring Marítimo's title-winning Liga Portugal 2 run that secured their top-flight comeback.
Hummel Halifax Wanderers 1991 Nova Scotia Clippers Retro Kit Released
Halifax Wanderers FC and kit supplier Hummel have unveiled a special limited-edition retro kit paying tribute to the 1991 Nova Scotia Clippers, the first professional soccer team in the province of Nova Scotia.
The jersey captures the unmistakable look of the early 1990s, when the Clippers competed in the Canadian Soccer League. Styled in a vibrant emerald green base, the shirt is adorned with an all-over chevron jacquard pattern, complemented by a thick white crossover V-neck collar and matching sleeve cuffs. Completing the throwback design is the original Nova Scotia Clippers emblem on the chest alongside Hummel's logo, paired with local brewery Alexander Keith's and its signature stag crest across the front.
Supporters looking to pick up the nostalgic shirt will have to act quickly. The Hummel Halifax Wanderers Nova Scotia Clippers retro kit is scheduled to be sold exclusively in-person at Wanderers Grounds during the club's home match against Inter Toronto on September 20.
Puma Bahia 26-27 Third Kit Released
Puma and Brazilian side Esporte Clube Bahia have officially unveiled the club's new third kit for the 26-27 campaign. Built around the theme "O Brasil sempre esteve aqui" (Brazil was always here), the jersey was developed in direct collaboration with FINPAT, the Indigenous Federation of the Pataxó and Tupinambá Nations of Far Southern Bahia, placing indigenous heritage and voices at the forefront of the design and release.
The Puma EC Bahia 26-27 third shirt combines a deep blue base with a tonal geometric pattern on the front inspired by traditional Pataxó necklaces. Gold detailing accents the V-neck collar, side panels, Puma cat logos, and a monochromatic Bahia crest. The contrasting shades carry symbolic meaning: blue represents the ocean and waters that are central to the Pataxó people, while gold references Tawá (yellow clay) and the ancestral riches of the land.
A special graphic sign-off reading "O Brasil sempre esteve aqui" is printed in gold on the upper back just below the collar. The kit is set to make its on-pitch debut in the Campeonato Brasileiro fixture against Remo at Arena Fonte Nova.
Bahrain 2026 Home Kit Released - First Ever by Adidas
The Bahrain national football team has officially revealed its new home kit for 2026, marking the nation's first-ever partnership with Adidas after parting ways with Puma.
The new Bahrain 2026 primary jersey is based on the standard Adidas Tiro 26 Competition template, with only the crest added.
It arrives in traditional vibrant red, accented by white detailing on the ribbed collar, lower hem trim, and the iconic Three Stripes running down the shoulders. A textured performance fabric carries the modern Bahrain FA crest on the left chest and the white Adidas logo on the right, while the reverse side features 'البحرين' in Arabic script situated directly above bold white 'BAHRAIN' block lettering. Set to make its on-pitch debut at the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup, the shirt was unveiled alongside traditional Bahraini textile and weaving loom motifs celebrating the country's craft heritage.