Many Crazy Designs - History of German Karneval Kits
The German Karneval time arrives in November every year, bringing with it multiple interesting special kit designs. Karneval, or Fastnacht as it is known in some regions, is especially popular in the areas near the Rhein river, with the masses going out and dressing up in costumes. So it comes as no surprise that football teams from this region like to celebrate the occasion with special outfits of their own.
We wanted to take a look at the history of Karneval-themed kits, since they have not been around for very long.
1. FC Köln
FC Köln first released a Karneval shirt for their 2013-14 2. Bundesliga campaign. Kit supplier Erima went above and beyond, setting a high bar for jerseys to come. Current kit manufacturer Uhlsport have since taken over the tradition of a Karneval shirt, 2017-18 (still Erima) being the only season in recent years without one.
2013-14
2014-15
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2015-16
2016-17
2018-19
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
1. FSV Mainz 05
Mainz 05 were lucky to have switched from Nike to Lotto back in 2015. They were instantly rewarded with their first ever Fastnacht shirt for the 2015-16 season, which was re-used for the next year as well. Lotto and current kit supplier Kappa have since always released an annual Fastnacht jersey.
It is quite clear that Lotto took very timid steps at first, only adding colors to a red base, but after several years they went all in with the crazy Fastnacht designs.
2015-17
2017-18
2018-19
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
Fortuna Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf released their first and only "Narrentrikot" (Jester-jersey) for the 2017-18 2. Bundesliga season. Made by Uhlsport, it features a half white, half red design inspired by Hoppeditz, a fictional jester from Düsseldorf's Karneval. The city crest is placed in the middle of the chest and there are five symbols specific to Düsseldorf's Karneval at the bottom of the shirt.
2017-18
KFC Uerdingen
KFC Uerdingen, based in the city of Krefeld, also released their only ever Karneval shirt in 2017. It is mainly blue and features lots of small, lighter blue jester's caps all over the front. There is also a yellow and black jester's cap placed above the club logo.
2017-18
Alemmania Aachen
Aachen released their first ever Karneval jersey earlier this week. Made by Capelli, it combines the club's colors black and yellow, rather than going for a brighter, more confetti-like look.
The base of the jersey is black with 11 diagonal yellow stripes on the front as a reference to November 11th, which marks the start of Karneval. The sleeves feature a very different design; they are covered in a black and yellow diamond pattern to look more like something from Karneval.
2021-22
Fortuna Köln
Fortuna Köln also released their first ever Karneval shirt earlier this week.
It is based on the Capelli Caracara teamwear template. It features red and white vertical stripes on the front. The sleeves, back and the top of the front section all come in solid red. The four white squares, Capelli's trademark appearance, run down below the round, white collar.
To add to the Karneval look, little confetti pieces are printed all over the front in blue, yellow, green and red. This makes for a similar aesthetic to the FC Köln Karneval jersey, released several weeks ago.
2021-22
Bonner SC
Bonn has released two Karneval shirts already. Lotto made one that was used for 2019-20 as well as 2020-21, with new kit manufacturer Uhlsport taking the design to another level this season.
2019-21
2021-22
What is your opinion on Karneval jerseys? Comment below.
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Stunning Fortuna Köln 2026 Regional Cup Final Kit Released
German side SC Fortuna Köln has released a highly limited special-edition kit to wear during their upcoming 2026 Mittelrheinpokal final. Produced by Dutch sportswear brand Robey, this exclusive release celebrates the club's first appearance in the regional cup final in six years, as they look to secure the trophy for the first time in 13 years.
The Robey SC Fortuna Köln 2026 Cup Final shirt introduces a striking tri-color gradient design that provides a highly bespoke look for the occasion. The top of the jersey begins in a deep navy blue, smoothly fading into a vibrant light blue chest band before transitioning into a clean white lower half.
Adding a premium, historic touch to the kit, all application details - including the Robey manufacturer branding, the central 'HIT' sponsor, and a classic standalone 'F' retro crest - are executed in metallic gold. A subtle light blue V-neck collar and matching sleeve cuffs complete the sophisticated aesthetic.
Priced at €75, this exclusive release serves as a unique collector's item for supporters of the Regionalliga West side. Curiously, while releasing this kit, the club has actively pushed an "All in Red" (Alle in Rot) motto for the fans attending the match, asking supporters to create a sea of red in the stands despite the team wearing their special-edition colors on the pitch.
What are your thoughts on this striking gradient Cup Final kit by Robey? Let us know in the comments below.
Aston Villa to Wear Third Kit with Charity Sponsor in Europa League Final
Aston Villa has officially confirmed they will wear their 2025-2026 Adidas third kit for the upcoming UEFA Europa League Final against SC Freiburg in Istanbul.
The decision was made due to a direct kit clash with the German side's traditional all-red home strip, forcing the Premier League club out of their iconic claret and blue. Furthermore, due to strict betting licensing regulations in Turkey, the club's principal partner, Betano, cannot be legally displayed on the jerseys. In response, the space is used by the Aston Villa Foundation for the historic showpiece event.
This special-edition jersey also features the Aston Villa Foundation branding across the chest in matching purple typography, sitting just below a commemorative Match ID text that marks the May 20 final at Besiktas Park.
Recognizing the historical significance of this unique uniform, the club is making the charity edition available to the public. Supporters can purchase these limited-edition shirts, complete with the foundation branding and central match details, in both authentic and replica versions from official club stores.
This rare combination of an alternate kit, a one-off charity sponsor, and European final detailing instantly makes this release a highly sought-after piece for shirt collectors.
