The "Definitive" Adidas Team Ranking - Update with 25 Clubs
Oct 9, 2023, by Chris
Update: We have now ranked 25 Adidas teams, including teams from all over the world. Of course, we cannot include every Adidas team in the world, but our new graphic shows the most important teams to give you a good overview.
If you cannot find your team, you can search for similar teams from the same country. For example, all the MLS teams are at the same level (with only three slightly above who got the third kit). In Brazil, only Flamengo is an elite team, while all the other big B teams are in the second pyramid. You can apply this rule to most, if not all, countries.
Last week, we examined how Nike treat their top teams. Following its great popularity, we are now doing the same for Adidas and the Three Stripes' top teams.
Adidas Top Teams Ranked
While there may not be a definitive ranking of Adidas' top teams, the tiers are much clearer than they are for Nike.
Flamengo were downgraded and are not marketed internationally anymore
Adidas only have five elite football teams, plus Flamengo, who are also an elite team. However, in recent years, Flamengo were downgraded bit by bit. Adidas have stopped selling Flamengo's kits internationally but still treat them as an Elite team in South America.
Newcastle could become a premium team only
Real Madrid, Bayern, Arsenal and Manchester United top Adidas' ranking currently. Only Real Madrid and Manchester United offer long-sleeve authentic away kits for sale, while Arsenal and Bayern are the only teams who get bespoke Women's kits (Bayern for the 24-25 season).
Meanwhile, all other Adidas teams are no Elite clubs. They do not get authentic kits but have to wear "replica" Aeroready jerseys.
Adidas' Top Teams Ranking, Based on Their Kits, Marketing, and Global Appeal:
A+ Elite - Real Madrid & Manchester United (only teams who sell long-sleeve authentic away kits) + Arsenal & Bayern München (special Kits for Women teams)
A Elite - Juventus: authentic kits available, but no long-sleeve authentic jerseys and no bespoke Women's kits
A- Elite - Flamengo: authentic kits available, but no lifestyler third kits, and not marketed internationally
B Premium - Many Teams: Bespoke kits, but no authentic kits (e.g. Benfica, AS Roma, Leeds United)
B - Even More Teams: bespoke kits, but almost no other bespoke gear (e.g. Union Berlin, Nottingham, Fulham)
C - Direct contract with Adidas, customized Adidas "Locker Room" kits (previously miTeam), no bespoke designs
D - No direct affiliation with Adidas, standard teamwear kits (most smaller teams, e.g. Saarbrücken, Hapoel Tel Aviv, FC Košice, Xerez)
It will be interesting to see where Adidas will position Newcastle United in their kit pyramid. Both Elite and Premium seem possible, but it is more likely that they will not get authentic kits (so only the Premium level).
So, what do you think of Adidas' team ranking? Let us know in the comments below.
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.
Alianza Lima 2026 Third Kit Released - Traditional Purple 'Blanquimorada'
Peruvian giants Club Alianza Lima and Nike have officially unveiled the club's new 2026 third jersey. Continuing a revered tradition spanning over 55 years, the kit embraces the traditional purple palette in honor of the Señor de los Milagros (Lord of Miracles), which the team will wear during the upcoming October festivities.
The Nike Alianza Lima 2026 third shirt features a deep purple base paired with lighter lilac accents on the round collar, shoulder panels, and sleeve cuffs. Bright gold detailing highlights both the Nike Swoosh and the club crest, complemented by subtle pink accents along the side panels and an inner collar inscription celebrating the club's identity.
The new purple kit will make its official on-pitch debut on October 11, 2026, when Alianza Lima travel to face Cusco FC in Liga 1 action. It is already available for purchase via Nike Peru and Marathon Sports in men's, women's, and children's versions.
AS Roma 26-27 Lifestyle Jacket Revealed - 1994 Design Inspired
The new Adidas AS Roma 1994 retro jacket have been unveiled via the brand's online store. The design is inspired by the 1994 World Cup template, famously worn by Germany, which is given to various Adidas teams.
As for Giallorossi, the jacket uses the club's famous red and yellow colorway, combined with darker diamond pattern up top. It is expected to be worn by the players before games or during walkouts.
FC Annecy 26-27 Away Kit Released
Ligue 2 outfit FC Annecy and technical sponsor Adidas have officially launched the club's new away jersey for the 26-27 season. Completing the team's set following the earlier arrivals of their home and third shirts, the new alternate look delivers a timeless and elegant aesthetic.
The Adidas FC Annecy 26-27 away shirt is built around a crisp white base, highlighted by a sharp red polo collar. Deep red detailing continues onto the shoulders with the brand's signature three stripes, as well as the Adidas logo on the chest and Annecy's stylized gothic 'A' crest. The club's various sponsor logos, headlined by shipping company MSC alongside regional partners E.Leclerc Annecy, Teamwork, and Haute-Savoie le Département, are also rendered in matching red tones.
The new strip is completed with white shorts and socks, and is set to be worn across their 26-27 Ligue 2 campaign.