Vinicius Jr is Real Madrid's New Number 7, Rodrygo Gets Number 11
Two of Real Madrid's young Brazilian stars are getting new squad numbers next season.
Vini Jr to Wear Number 7, Rodrygo 11
Real Madrid's squad will be looking considerably different next season after the departures of Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio and Eden Hazard, as well as the arrival of Jude Bellingham and likely more to come. There will also be changes for two of their current stars, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, who will both receive new squad numbers.
Both players have grown immensely since signing for the club, with Vinicius Junior in particular positioning himself as one of the best attacking players in the world. He was assigned the number 28 when he arrived at the club, then moved to 25, and he's spent the last three campaigns with 20 on his back. In that time, he has become one of Madrid's most crucial players, and his importance to the team will be reflected by his new number 7 shirt, previously occupied by Eden Hazard, Cristiano Ronaldo and Raul.
Rodrygo will take up the number 11 shirt that used to belong to Marco Asensio, Gareth Bale before him, while Ronaldo Fenomeno and Benzema both donned the number 11 for a season apiece while waiting on their preferred no. 9 to free up. In a similar trajectory to his compatriot, Rodrygo started out with the number 27, then picked up Vini's old number 25, before moving down to 21, and now 11.
Benzema's old number 9 has not been assigned a new owner yet. Madrid will likely be in the hunt for someone to fill the Frenchman's boots this summer, so it may not remain that way for too long. New signing Fran Garcia, a left back brought in from Rayo Vallecano, picks up Vini's old number 20.
Vinicius, who is 24, has already been at the club for 5 years and has achieved a lot in that time, with plenty more to come from him by the looks of it. Rodrygo is 22, has been at Madrid since 2019 and also certainly has a very bright future ahead of him at the Bernabeu. Could the two Brazilians go on to make a bigger mark on the club than the famous number 7s and 11s before them?
Let us know what you think in the comments.
CR Belouizdad 26-27 Home Kit Released
Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1 side CR Belouizdad have officially unveiled their new home kit for the 26-27 season, produced by Puma. Designed as a celebration of the club's legacy and identity, the shirt brings a classic look back to the forefront for the capital side.
The Puma CR Belouizdad 26-27 home shirt is predominantly red, anchored by a bold white chevron across the chest. It incorporates a white V-neck collar, patterned white sleeve cuffs, and a subtle "1962" detail on the sleeve honoring the year of the club's founding. The CRB crest with its championship star is placed over the chest alongside white Puma branding and the logo of main sponsor Madar Holding.
Built with Puma's dryCELL performance fabric and RE:FIBRE recycled materials, the new jersey is completed by matching red shorts and red socks.
Vitesse 26-27 Airborne Kit Released
Dutch club SBV Vitesse and technical partner Robey Sportswear have officially launched their special 2026-27 Airborne kit. Continuing an annual tradition that dates back to 2007, the kit commemorates the 1944 Battle of Arnhem and Operation Market Garden, and will be worn during the club's annual Airborne fixture in September.
Themed "V van Vrijheid" (V for Freedom), the shirt also pays tribute to a silent act of resistance during the club's 50th anniversary in 1942, when players formed a large 'V' on the pitch in a subtle nod to the Allied Victory sign. The jersey is presented in a deep bordeaux base covered in dynamic tonal chevron patterns that form subtle 'V' shapes across the torso. Contrasting sky blue accents highlight the collar, sleeve cuffs, and underarm panels, with a white poppy placed centrally on the chest between the Robey branding and the club crest.
Matching bordeaux shorts and sky blue socks decorated with claret chevrons complete the uniform. The Robey Vitesse 26-27 Airborne kit is available to purchase now through the club's official online store.
Cambodian Premier League Becomes First Asian League to Introduce "Debut" Sleeve Patches
The Cambodian Premier League has surprised kit enthusiasts and football followers by introducing an official "CPL DEBUT" sleeve patch, making it the first domestic league in Asia to adopt a dedicated debut patch on match shirts. While high-profile competitions across the continent like the Saudi Pro League, Japan's J.League, and South Korea's K League have yet to implement such badges, Cambodia's top flight has embraced the global trend.
Positioned directly underneath the official Cambodian Premier League crest on the right sleeve, the badge features a compact rectangular design with a bold red background and white "CPL DEBUT" lettering. The patch is applied to kits exclusively for players making their first-ever career appearance in the Cambodian Premier League, commemorating their milestone game on the pitch.
The concept takes inspiration from the debut patch movement that originated in American sports like Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer, which recently expanded to European football via UEFA and Topps for the UEFA Champions League. While the Cambodian version is an independent initiative by the league rather than a licensed trading card memorabilia tie-in, it adds a unique detail and collectible charm to debutants' match-worn shirts.
Newcastle United Announce BetMGM Partnership Extension
Newcastle United have officially announced a multi-year extension of their commercial partnership with BetMGM. The renewed agreement sees the operator, part of the LeoVegas Group, continue in its role as the Magpies' Official UK and European Betting Partner heading into the 26-27 season and beyond.
The collaboration first started in 2023 alongside BetMGM's launch in the UK market, following an earlier renewal in 2024. Over the past three seasons, the relationship has established a major presence on matchdays at St. James' Park, focusing primarily on fan engagement and digital activations rather than kit branding.
As part of the extended deal, Newcastle and BetMGM confirmed the return of the popular BetMGM Half-Time Challenge. The activation offers supporters attending home fixtures the opportunity to take to the pitch at the break and compete for prizes, including a trip to Las Vegas.
Footy Headlines Is Back on Instagram
Footy Headlines has officially returned to Instagram with a brand new account, @footyheadlinesoff. The comeback brings the site's football kit leaks, boot news, and gear coverage back to the platform.
You can follow the new official account on Instagram now via @footyheadlinesoff to keep track of all upcoming kit leaks and shirt releases.