Have We Seen Enough Blackout Kits?
Feb 26, 2025, by Chris
- Blackout Kit Popularity: Blackout kits, popularized by Borussia Dortmund in 2020, remain prevalent due to their commercial appeal and fashion versatility.
- Loss of Identity: The widespread adoption of generic blackout kits sacrifices club identity by abandoning traditional colors and visual heritage.
- Potential Solutions: Clubs should explore creative interpretations of blackout kits that incorporate elements of club identity, as seen in examples like AC Horsens and Barcelona.
Atlético Mineiro and AIK have jumped again on the blackout kit bandwagon, raising the question: has the football world reached peak blackout saturation? Big thanks to Soccer Jersey News (@soccerjerseynws) for the initial idea for this article.
Ubiquitous Black
When Borussia Dortmund released their hugely successful blackout kit in early 2020, they triggered a trend that shows little sign of abating. Nearly six years later, we continue to see a steady stream of all-black designs flooding the market. BVB's effort set the gold standard, quickly selling out 60,000 units and establishing a blueprint that dozens of clubs have since followed.
Blackout football shirts have become virtually indistinguishable from one another
But let's be honest - they've become virtually indistinguishable from one another. Beyond the different club crests and manufacturer logos, most blackout kits follow the exact same formula: black fabric, black details, black logos, and black sponsors. The result? A sea of sameness across clubs and leagues.
Atlético Mineiro's new blackout kit continues the trend
Commercial Appeal vs. Club Identity
It's not difficult to understand why blackout kits have become so prevalent. From a fashion perspective, they're incredibly versatile - easy to pair with virtually any outfit, making them appealing beyond match days. The continued commercial success of these kits (Dortmund's anniversary kit sold out "in moments") speaks to their popularity among supporters.
the commercial appeal comes at the cost of club identity
However, this commercial appeal comes at the cost of club identity. When a team abandons its traditional colors for an all-black design, it sacrifices something fundamental about its visual heritage. Ipswich Town, Sparta Rotterdam, Hull City, and now Atlético Mineiro - the list of clubs diluting their visual identity with generic blackout kits continues to grow.
Finding Balance
If blackout kits are here to stay, perhaps clubs should consider a middle ground. Denmark's AC Horsens showed one potential path forward by incorporating colored elements around the edges of their logos, retaining a touch of club identity while maintaining the sleek blackout aesthetic. Barcelona opted for a similar approach with its 24-25 away kit.
Without such distinguishing elements, blackout kits become simply generic black shirts with interchangeable logos - products divorced from club heritage and history.
The Historical Context
Amazing Blackout Manchester United 18-19 Tango Jersey Released
It's worth noting that Adidas actually preceded the current trend, releasing a retro-inspired Manchester United blackout kit in 2018, roughly 18 months before Dortmund's version ignited the full-blown craze. While we're seeing slightly fewer blackout releases than the peak two years ago, they remain a steady fixture in kit launches across the globe.
As Lorenzo Bottini from NSS Sports put it, these jerseys can be "worn both on the pitch and at La Scala's premiere," highlighting their versatility and broader appeal compared to traditional club colors.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Fans have already started to tackle clubs who deny the club colors, e.g. for one-colored crest
The blackout trend appears firmly entrenched in football fashion, but perhaps manufacturers further need to push the boundaries of the concept. Rather than releasing carbon copies of what's come before, could we see more creative interpretations that maintain the sleek black base while incorporating genuine elements of club identity?
What's your take on blackout kits? Creative fashion statement or overdone trend? Let us know in the comments below.
Mantova 1911 26-27 Away Kit Released
Italian club Mantova 1911 and Adidas have officially unveiled the club's new away shirt for the 26-27 season. The new kit introduces a refined design that will be worn throughout their upcoming campaign.
The Adidas Mantova 1911 26-27 away jersey is predominantly red, featuring a classic polo collar with white contrast detailing. White accents are applied to the collar trim, sleeve cuffs, and the Adidas logo on the right chest, offering a clean contrast against the base color. The club crest sits prominently on the left chest, accompanied by sponsor logos across the front.
Red shorts and red socks complete the full kit. Mantova's new away uniform has already debuted on the pitch during pre-season action and is available via official club outlets.
FC Barcelona 26-27 Third Kit Leaked - Long-Sleeve Version
Official studio images of the long-sleeve version of FC Barcelona's 26-27 third kit have surfaced online via Barca shirt collector @memorabilia1899, giving fans a complete look at the retro-inspired shirt ahead of its upcoming official presentation.
Designed by Nike, the FC Barcelona 26-27 third shirt pays homage to the classic 1996-97 Kappa away kit. It features a light teal base with a distinctive vertical zigzag split down the center. Navy accents appear on the collar and cuffs, complemented by subtle red piping along the shoulder seams. The design is completed with a traditional full-color Barcelona crest, a navy Spotify sponsor emblem, and a pink Nike Swoosh.
Xerez Deportivo 26-27 Away Kit Released
Spanish club Xerez Deportivo FC has officially unveiled its new away kit for the 26-27 season, made by technical sponsor Macron. The new design introduces a refined and elegant color scheme for the team's upcoming campaign.
The Macron Xerez Deportivo 26-27 away shirt features a deep maroon base, complemented by golden accents throughout. A monochrome version of the club crest, along with the Macron logo and front sponsors, are all applied in matching gold. The shirt is framed by gold and cream trim along the crew-neck collar and sleeve cuffs, while a subtle tonal pattern adorns the front panel to add texture to the overall aesthetic.
Maroon shorts and socks with gold detailing complete the new Xerez DFC 26-27 away strip.
Al-Ittihad 26-27 Away Kit Released
Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad and Nike have officially launched the club's new away kit for the 26-27 season. Following the reveal of their home strip last month, the new away uniform introduces a refined design deeply rooted in local culture and heritage.
The Nike Al-Ittihad 26-27 away jersey features a light grey base paired with contrasting black trim on the collar, sleeve cuffs, and side panels. A subtle tonal pattern flows across the body, taking inspiration from traditional Arabic calligraphy and the historic architecture of Jeddah's Al-Balad district. Gold accents complete the look, highlighting the Nike Swoosh and the framing around the club crest. The strip is complemented by black sponsor branding, including Al Balad Development Co across the chest.
The new Al-Ittihad 26-27 away kit is now available through official club outlets and select retail stores.
Al Rayyan SC 26-27 Away Kit Released
Qatari club Al Rayyan SC and technical sponsor Joma have officially launched the new away kit for the 26-27 season. The new strip introduces a sleek blackout design for the upcoming campaign.
The Joma Al Rayyan 26-27 away jersey is predominantly black with dark metallic grey detailing throughout. A subtle checkered pattern is applied to the round collar and sleeve cuffs, along with faint vertical checkered bands running down the body. All logos, including the club crest, Joma branding, and sponsor graphics, appear in tonal dark grey to maintain the stealth look.
The club's founding year, 1967, is printed on the upper back just below the collar. Matching black shorts and socks complete the full Al Rayyan SC 26-27 away strip.
Atlético Sanluqueño 26-27 Home, Away & Third Kits Released
Spanish side Atlético Sanluqueño and Italian brand Macron have officially revealed the club's new home, away, and third kits for the 26-27 season. The new collection offers a mix of traditional style, retro aesthetics, and a special local tribute.
The Atlético Sanluqueño 26-27 home kit stays true to heritage with classic green and white vertical stripes across the front and lower back, finished with a green crew neck collar and green sleeve cuffs. It is complemented by black shorts and green socks. Meanwhile, the away kit takes on a refined off-white base featuring maroon collar and cuffs, a simplified circular crest, and thin yellow and blue chest stripes.
Completing the set is the dark green 26-27 third kit, which incorporates bright neon green central striping and matching trims. The most notable detail of the third shirt is a printed portrait graphic on the lower front honoring the famous flamenco guitarist Manolo Sanlúcar, who passed away in 2022.
CD Badajoz 26-27 Home, Away & Third Kits Released
Spanish club CD Badajoz and technical partner Macron have officially launched the team's new kit collection for the 26-27 season. Unveiled under the campaign theme "La piel del Gigante," the new kit range pays homage to the history and identity of Badajoz through tailored design elements across every shirt.
The CD Badajoz 26-27 home kit maintains the club's iconic black and white vertical stripes, enhanced by thin gold pinstripe details and an embossed graphic pattern depicting historic city symbols and lions. The away kit adopts a clean gold base color paired with black accents and a monochromatic badge. Completing the lineup, the third kit comes in purple with fine tonal vertical pinstripes and a classic white collar, alongside a vibrant orange goalkeeper kit.