Have Parma Got the Best Back Catalogue of Special Kits?
It’s been the norm for a few years now for clubs to launch special kits, but Parma can claim to be amongst the originators of the trend. Here we take a look back at some of their best ones.
Parma’s Special Kits
Ever since their glory days of the late 90s and early 2000s, Parma have been a firm favourite among shirt fans and collectors. Their yellow and blue striped kits from that period became iconic, and their regular cross-bearing jerseys make them instantly recognisable. Aside from the popularity and recognition that their home kits garner, Parma have also a track record of producing the goods with their special kits, which have become a regular fixture for the club, often released to coincide with the date of their foundation.
The last two or three seasons have seen everyone jumping on the one-off kit bandwagon, with some very dubious backstories and reasons given for the release of these jerseys. Although in the grand scheme of things special kits are not strictly necessary, Parma can at least say that theirs have all been centred around their club’s own history and community, with many of them directly benefitting good causes (not to mention that they’ve had some real beauties). In no particular order, check out ten of their best special shirts below.
Black Lives Matter 20-21
The blackout look came to Parma in May 2021, but rather than launching an all-black jersey simply because it looks good, they tied it in with the “Black Lives Matter '' movement. All money raised from the sales of the blackout kits went towards local projects run by the Centre for Immigration, Asylum and International Cooperation as well as the Lilian Thuram Foundation.
Stop Violence Towards Women 17-18
Parma kept the design of their home jersey but switched up the colours back in December 2017. They played in a predominantly pink shirt against lo Spezia in collaboration with an awareness campaign for violence against women called “Maschi chi si immischiano” (men who get involved). The players had worn special pink bracelets in another match, while flyers were given out to spectators at the stadium on another occasion, but the pink shirts had perhaps the furthest reach.
Blucrociati - Not Just Colours 18-19
Rivalries between football teams are much more common than friendships, so the idea behind this kit was quite novel. For over 30 years, Parma and Sampdoria fans have enjoyed a close relationship, so the two clubs decided to celebrate their camaraderie by borrowing each other’s aesthetic for their match at the end of the 18-19 season. The results were a blue Parma shirt with a white, navy and yellow chest band, and a white Samp jersey with a blue and red cross. Two of Italian football’s most distinctive looks, inverted.
AC Parmense Edition 19-20
This shirt was launched on the club’s 106th anniversary, but we all know that a 106th anniversary is a ludicrous number of years to celebrate with a special kit. This gorgeous jersey instead marked the 50th anniversary of an important moment in their history. In 1968 Parma were ordered into liquidation. On the 1st of January 1970, another club, AC Parmense, adopted Parma’s sporting license and the original club was reborn. The white shirt with yellow and blue chest band had been AC Parmense’s traditional home shirt up until that time, but they then adopted Parma’s black cross and name. Their original crest also features on this 19-20 tribute.
Parma Children’s Hospital 21-22
Parma’s 21-22 special shirt managed to kill several birds with one stone, simultaneously referencing a historic jersey from the past as well as some much-loved local architecture, all while contributing to a worthy cause. This kit was reminiscent of the one worn when Parma won their first ever trophy 30 years prior, the 91-92 Coppa Italia, but with the blue and yellow stripes replaced by multicoloured ones, representing the colourful panels of the local children’s hospital. Even the shape of the lines recreated their form. The shirt gave not just a nod to the facility, all proceeds from its sale went directly to the hospital too.
Buffon Anniversary 21-22
Throwback and remake kits are generally a guaranteed success in terms of sales, thanks to the power that nostalgia wields over us. Some might say that remakes have been done to death recently, but when one of your club’s best ever players returns 26 years on from his debut, what better way to mark such an unlikely occasion? It’s highly doubtful that we’ll ever see another player with a career trajectory and longevity like that of Gigi Buffon, and that’s without even bringing his quality into the equation.
20th Anniversary of 2002 Coppa Italia Victory 22-23
This season’s special kit offering from Parma saw the release of two shirts, one outfield and one goalkeeper version. Harking back to their last Coppa Italia title in 2002, Erreà recreated the away shirt and goalkeeper shirt worn in the final. A great looking pair of kits at the time, they didn’t lose any of their appeal on their reproduction 20 years later. An embroidered anniversary symbol on the back of the neck and the lyrics of one of the fans’ chants inside the collar made sure it lived up to its “special” billing.
Centenary 13-14
A club’s centenary is the most common and justifiable reason for a special kit, and Erreà went above and beyond for Parma with this effort that was true to tradition in every sense. Foregoing modernity, this jersey was made in Parma from 100% merino wool, produced using techniques like those that were in use at the time when the club was founded.
The shirt bore no crest and no logos, save for a label stitched onto the inside of the collar. A serious amount of work went into ensuring that this shirt was as close as possible to the first ones worn by the first Parma players back in 1913.
Capitale della Cultura 19-20
Parma was selected as the European Capital of Culture for the year 2020, a great honour for any city, but possibly the worst year in history for it to happen. The special kit in celebration of the privilege had already been designed and produced, but the outbreak of the Covid pandemic saw extreme lockdown measures put in place and the cultural projects and events cancelled. As a result, the jersey was never worn.
So there you have it. Do any other clubs come to mind for their dedication to putting a lot of thought into their special kits?
Vintage Football Shirts
from Cult Kits
1998 Les Bleus Home Shirt 'France' (Multiple Sizes) Dreamers
2018/19 Preston North End Davies #6 *Match Issue* Home Shirt (M) Nike
2012 Nagoya Grampus #12 Home Shirt (S) Le Coq
1985 Kodak All Stars #10 Home Shirt (M) Asics
1998/00 Barcelona Rivaldo #11 Home Shirt (M) Nike
1991/92 Celtic Home Shirt (XL) Umbro
2020/21 Tottenham Hotspur Nike Track Jacket (M)
Cult Diego 1994 Argentina Tee
2012/13 Manchester City Tevez #32 Away Shirt (S) Umbro
1995/96 Shonan Bellmare Puma Rain Jacket (S/M)
Adidas Leeds United 26-27 Retro Lifestyle Kit Leaked
Adidas Originals will release a retro collection for Leeds United. Recreated by kit insider @KamilBerberler using FIFA Kit Creator, this new lifestyle release promises a heavily nostalgic aesthetic.
The Adidas Leeds United 26-27 Originals shirt features a deep navy blue base, elevated by a tonal, all-over pattern made entirely of classic Adidas Trefoil logos. A strong vintage identity is established through the crisp white Trefoil and the club's universally beloved 'smiley' crest on the chest. The crest and colors are the same used for the Leeds 26-27 away kit, which is yellow, navy, and white.
The long-sleeve silhouette is finished with vibrant yellow shoulder piping, white Three Stripes down the arms, and thickly striped navy, white, and yellow cuffs.
Nike Cryo Shot Mercurial R9 Ronaldo Colorway Leaked - New Images
Nike has shared fresh detailed images of the Cryo Shot Mercurial R9 in the iconic Ronaldo colorway. The model reworks the classic Mercurial Vapor R9 silhouette, originally worn by the Brazilian star during the 1998 World Cup, as a lifestyle sneaker under the new Cryo Shot line.
The colorway uses Varsity Royal and Varsity Maize with metallic silver accents along with black and sail details. It carries the style code IQ8160-400 and will retail for $210.
The pair is scheduled to release on June 30, 2026, as part of Nike's Summer 2026 lineup that adapts multiple heritage football boots for everyday wear. What do you make of this new R9 version? Let us know in the comments.
Thanks to @vladieboi
FC Isle of Man 2026-29 Home Kit Unveiled
FC Isle of Man has introduced its new home kit for the 2026-29 seasons. The design, produced by Hope & Glory, features the club's red and black colors and was selected by members through a vote.
The replica shirt is an EcoKit with a woven club crest. It will be worn by the team in the North West Counties League Premier Division.
Pre-orders are open via the official club shop until June 5, 2026. What are your thoughts on the latest FC Isle of Man home kit? Let us know in the comments.
Mexico Third Kit Debuts On Pitch vs Ghana
The Mexican national team debuted its new third kit during the friendly against Ghana on May 22 at Estadio Cuauhtémoc. The Adidas design features a black base with a tonal MX pattern, tricolor accents from the Mexican flag on the collar and sleeves, and special embroidery details. The full apparel line was also worn, including the usual sponsorship placements.
https://www.footyheadlines.com/2025/04/mexico-2026-se-kit.html
Released on May 11, the kit forms part of Mexico's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the country will co-host for the third time in its history. It results from a collaboration with Someone Somewhere and emphasizes national unity through the "Somos México" message.
The third kit provides an elegant alternative for when home and away colors clash. What do you think of Mexico's new third kit for the 2026-26 World Cup? Let us know in the comments.
Barcelona Releases Limited LaLiga Victory Box for 2025-26 Season
Barcelona has launched a limited edition LaLiga Victory Box to mark the club's 2025-26 title success. Priced at €499.99, the collection is sold exclusively through the official Barça store and is capped at 1,000 units total across available sizes.
Each box contains a player edition 2025-26 home jersey featuring a special commemorative LaLiga champions inscription, an official champions t-shirt, a numbered victory scarf, and a random limited Panini Instant card. The cards include rare parallels, with only 25 units across the run signed by players including Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Lewandowski, Pedri, and Gavi.
The release follows Barcelona's league triumph in the 2025-26 campaign. Orders are now open with shipping in approximately two weeks. Would you purchase one of these boxes? Let us know in the comments.
Colo-Colo 26-27 Retro Lifestyle Kit Leaked
Kit tracker Kamil Berberler has posted details of a Colo-Colo x adidas Originals Collection long sleeve jersey. The image has been recreated with the FIFA Kit Creator tool.
The Adidas Originals Colo-Colo 2026 jersey is based on the streamlined template, in a no-nonsense black and white colorway. It has a black base with contrasting white logos.
Coritiba 26-27 Away Kit Released
Coritiba has officially revealed its new away jersey for the 2026-27 season. Produced by Diadora, the shirt known as the Jogadeira draws inspiration from the nighttime landscape of Curitiba, reflecting urban lighting, traditional architecture, and the club's deep roots in the city through the 'Curitiba é Coritiba' campaign.
The design emphasizes a dark green base with thinner white vertical stripes for a more contemporary look. It features a white polo collar with matching accents on the shoulders, sleeves, and cuffs. The club crest is on the left chest and the Diadora logo appears in white on the right. A custom jacquard pattern references historic republican posts along Rua XV de Novembro, connected to the 'Pelo Mundo Vai Brilhar' theme.
White shorts and green socks round out the kit. It is now available at official Coxa Store locations and online.
What do you think of the new Coritiba away shirt? Let us know in the comments.
Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo 30th Anniversary 26-27 Home Kit Released
Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo have announced their new home kit for the 2026-27 season made by Mizuno. The shirt celebrates the club's 30th anniversary and is set to be worn in all official matches throughout the campaign.
The design retains the team's traditional red and black vertical stripes but incorporates a starry sky pattern between them, drawing from the Hokkaido prefecture flag. It also features a special centered 30th anniversary badge marking the milestone.
The kit supports the club's push for promotion back to the J1 League.
What do you think of the new Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo 2026-27 home kit? Let us know in the comments.
France 2026 World Cup Numbers Announced
France head coach Didier Deschamps has officially announced his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Following the announcement, the French Football Federation (FFF) has also revealed the official squad numbers that the Les Bleus will wear during the tournament.
The squad features a blend of experienced veterans and exciting young talent. As expected, superstar Kylian Mbappé will wear the iconic number 10 shirt, while Antoine Griezmann's former number 7 has been given to Ousmane Dembélé.
Here is the complete list of the France squad and their official numbers for the 2026 World Cup:
Goalkeepers
1 – Brice Samba (Rennes)
16 – Mike Maignan (AC Milan)
23 – Robin Risser (Lens)
Defenders
2 – Malo Gusto (Chelsea)
3 – Lucas Digne (Aston Villa)
4 – Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
5 – Jules Koundé (Barcelona)
15 – Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool)
17 – William Saliba (Arsenal)
19 – Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal)
21 – Lucas Hernandez (PSG)
26 – Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace)
Midfielders
6 – Manu Koné (AS Roma)
8 – Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid)
13 – N'Golo Kanté (Fenerbahçe)
14 – Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan)
18 – Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG)
Forwards
7 – Ousmane Dembélé (PSG)
9 – Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)
10 – Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
11 – Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
12 – Bradley Barcola (PSG)
20 – Désiré Doué (PSG)
22 – Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)
24 – Rayan Cherki (Manchester City)
25 – Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco)
France, drawn into Group I, will face Iraq, Norway, and Senegal in the group stage as they aim for their third World Cup title.