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.
Chelsea 26-27 Away Kit Debuted
Chelsea have officially debuted their new 26-27 away kit during their pre-season friendly against Tottenham Hotspur at Accor Stadium in Sydney, Australia. Made by Nike, the new change strip features a solid black base paired with Midwest Gold trim, marking the club's return to a predominantly black away design.
The shirt features a minimalist standalone gold lion crest on the chest, replacing the full traditional club badge. Gold piping traces the shoulder seams and side panels, while an intricate gold laurel wreath graphic borders the collar and sleeve cuffs to match design elements on Chelsea's 26-27 home kit.
Adidas Croatia 26-27 Home & Away Kits Spotted in Retail Stores
Following the official conclusion of Croatia's 26-year partnership with Nike on July 31, 2026, the national team's first-ever modern Adidas collection has started reaching store shelves. Images shared by jersey community @Jerseyforum reveal the all-new Adidas Croatia 26-27 home and away jerseys on display at an Alpen sports store in Tokyo, Japan.
The 26-27 home kit retains the country's iconic red and white checkerboard pattern, featuring subtle Glagolitic script graphics embedded within the checkers alongside a classic blue Adidas Performance logo and tricolor collar and cuff detailing. In contrast, the away jersey comes in EQT blue with vibrant red-orange accents and shoulder stripes, incorporating an intricate traditional lace-making pattern across the front and the iconic Adidas Trefoil logo on the chest.
With the multi-year deal officially launched on August 1, 2026, under the "Checkers Meet Stripes" campaign, these store sightings give fans a full early look at the physical shirts. The full range is expected to be formally launched ahead of Croatia's UEFA Nations League matches in September 2026.
US Boulogne 26-27 Away Kit Released
French Ligue 2 club US Boulogne have officially unveiled the 2026-27 away kit. Made by Jako, the new shirt was released on August 1 and presented against the scenic backdrop of the Boulonnais region.
The Jako US Boulogne 2026-27 away shirt features a white base covered with an abstract red geometric line pattern across the front and sleeves. Black detailing on the crew neck and sleeve cuffs complements the black Jako logo, sponsor branding and centrally positioned club crest, creating a bold and contemporary look.
What do you think of the new US Boulogne 2026-27 away kit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
FC Bayern Reveal Special 26-27 Asian Tour Kit Fonts
FC Bayern München has officially unveiled two special-edition shirt namesets for their 26-27 pre-season Audi Summer Tour across South Korea and Hong Kong. Designed in collaboration with adidas and Hypebeast, the custom flocking designs will be worn on Bayern's 26-27 home and away kits during their friendly matches against Jeju SK and Aston Villa.
Each fixture features a unique font design rooted in local art and traditional culture. For the match on Jeju Island, South Korean artist Dohee Kwon created a design inspired by Gime, a traditional paper craft unique to Jeju that is tied to local rituals, incorporating sun and moon graphics into the numbers. For the friendly in Hong Kong, local artist Kristopher Ho crafted a gold-accented font featuring dragon motifs inspired by ancient Chinese aesthetics.
Both special-edition kit fonts are limited releases tied directly to the tour. The Jeju nameset is available exclusively at official pop-up stores on Jeju Island, while the Hong Kong font is sold solely through FC Bayern pop-up stores and partner retail locations in Greater China.
CD Nacional 26-27 Home Kit Released
Portuguese club CD Nacional and Kappa have officially revealed the team's new home kit for the 26-27 season.
The CD Nacional 26-27 home shirt stays true to tradition with classic black and white vertical stripes running across the front, back, and sleeves. Kappa adds striking contrast with bright yellow accents, featuring yellow Omni logos along the shoulders and sleeves that match the brand logo on the chest and the main sponsor logo, CORAL Cerveja. The design is rounded off with a black v-neck style collar featuring the club's founding year, 1910, printed inside.
Black shorts with yellow side taping and black socks with white Kappa logos complete the new CD Nacional 26-27 home uniform.
CA Aldosivi 26-27 Third Kit Released
Argentinian side Club Atlético Aldosivi and Kappa Argentina have officially launched the club's new 26-27 third kit, named 'LOS PRINCIPIOS' (The Principles). Designed as an homage to the roots of the Mar del Plata club, the jersey draws direct inspiration from the ocean, family, and the traditional fishing community that shapes the identity of the neighborhood.
The Kappa Aldosivi 26-27 third shirt features a teal and sea green base layered with an all-over graphic print that mimics moving ocean water. White details provide contrast, including the front sponsor logo, a simplified outline version of the club badge on the chest, and classic Kappa Omini logo taping running along the shoulders.
The release campaign was filmed on location in the port of Mar del Plata featuring local workers and scenery. The Aldosivi 26-27 third jersey is available now via official club retail outlets.