Brighton Players Get High-End Nike Dri-FIT ADV Kits, But Fans Can Only Buy Lower-Quality Replicas
Jul 5, 2025, by Chris
- Kit Discrepancy: Brighton & Hove Albion's new kits have sparked controversy as the player-issue 'Authentic' shirts are superior to the 'Fan' replicas, but only the replica version is available for purchase by fans.
- Technology and Texture Differences: The player-issue shirts utilize Nike Dri-FIT ADV technology with a complex weave and texture, while the fan replicas use standard Dri-FIT with a simpler texture, and the player version has heat-applied logos, unlike the stitched logos on the replica.
- Fan Outrage: Fans are upset about paying £75 for a lower-quality replica kit while the superior player version remains unobtainable, criticizing the quality and expressing disappointment with Brighton's decision.
A major controversy is brewing around the launch of Brighton & Hove Albion's new 2025-2026 kits, as it has been revealed that the player-issue "Authentic" shirts are significantly superior to the "Fan" replicas – and the authentic player version is not being made available for fans to purchase.
Footy Headlines understands this is the first time in the Premier League that a club is supplied with Nike's top-tier Dri-FIT ADV (DFA) kits for its players, while withholding that version from public sale.
Brighton 25-26 Replica Vs Player Kit
Fans and kit communities have been quick to point out the dramatic differences between the two versions, leading to accusations that they are "might as well be a different shirt."
The key differences are:
- Technology & Texture: The player-issue shirt is made with Nike Dri-FIT ADV technology, featuring a complex, engineered weave and texture visible on the fabric. The fan replica uses standard Dri-FIT and has a much flatter, simpler texture.
- Logos: While the replica comes with stitched logos, the authentic comes with heat-applied branding
The decision has sparked outrage among supporters, particularly given the price point of the replica version. As pointed out by @thekitsbaia, fans are being asked to pay £75 for what they describe as "tat" and "woeful quality," while the superior version the players wear remains unobtainable (unless via auction sites like MatchWornShirt).
Kit enthusiast @Kitkingdom83 expressed similar disappointment, stating, "Brighton not selling the superior player shirts to fans is no bueno I'm afraid."
The issue also extends to the newly revealed lilac away kit. While the club is keeping the popular previous away kit as a third choice for the new season (a move praised by some for its two-year cycle), the lack of an authentic option for the new home and away shirts has soured the launch for many.
Check out all Brighton & Hove Albion kits on Football Kit Archive
What do you think of Nike giving players better kits than the fans? Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below the article, and see the 25-26 Kit Overview for all Premier League kit leaks.
Al-Ula FC 26-27 Home & Away Kits Released
Italian sportswear brand Kappa and Saudi club Al-Ula FC have officially launched their new home and away kits for the 26-27 season. Both designs incorporate custom graphic textures alongside the club's "Arabian Leopards" tagline printed on the upper back collar.
The Al-Ula 26-27 home kit features a deep navy blue base paired with elegant gold detailing for the logos, sponsor prints, and collar trim. A subtle tonal pattern decorates the front panel, giving the jersey a refined aesthetic.
Complementing the home kit, the Al-Ula 26-27 away shirt comes in a sand white colorway featuring a classic polo collar. Deep blue accents appear on the Kappa logo, crest, and shoulder panels, which showcase patterned striping across the sleeves.
AD Mérida 26-27 Away Kit Released
Spanish Primera Federación club AD Mérida and technical supplier Macron have officially launched the club's new away kit for the 26-27 season. Named 'Aura', the new second shirt was unveiled alongside the club's new home strip during a presentation event at the historic Templo de Diana in Mérida.
The AD Mérida 26-27 away jersey features an eye-catching design built on a dark base, covered in a vibrant geometric teal line pattern across the front torso. Black sleeves, collar trim, and subtle teal accents on the sleeve cuffs complement the detailed body graphics. White branding, including the Macron logo and front sponsor text, completes the look.
NK Veres Rivne 26-27 Home, Away & Third Kits Released
Ukrainian Premier League club NK Veres Rivne and Spanish sportswear brand Kelme have officially launched the team's new home, away, and third kits for the 26-27 season. The release marks a return to Kelme for the Ukrainian side following a single season wearing kits produced by their in-house brand, Buntar.
The new collection brings custom looks for each kit, unified by sponsor logos from Betking that adapt seamlessly to match the color scheme of each shirt. The 26-27 home kit sports a vibrant red look featuring an abstract tonal geometric pattern, accompanied by black trim on the collar and sleeve cuffs. The away kit presents a clean white base with subtle horizontal line graphics and a sharp black traditional collar.
Rounding out the collection is a striking purple third kit featuring dynamic diagonal pattern details on the front, complemented by black shorts. All three kits feature the Ukrainian flag patch prominently placed on the upper chest above the club crest and technical sponsor logos.
Emelec 2026 Third Kit Released
Ecuadorian club CS Emelec and adidas have officially launched the club's new 2026 third kit. Marking the first time in twenty years that Emelec will wear green, the eye-catching shirt breaks away from the team's traditional blue identity while retaining key historic design motifs.
The Emelec 2026 third strip comes in a dark petroleum green base color, highlighted by adidas' signature three stripes in white on the shoulders and light teal graphics across the front. A subtle diagonal cross-band pattern covers the chest, giving a nod to Emelec's classic sash design. The front of the jersey features the logo of SOLCA (Sociedad de Lucha Contra el Cáncer), continuing a special partnership to raise cancer awareness.
The kit is completed with dark green shorts and socks featuring matching teal and white details. Emelec will debut the new third kit in their upcoming LigaPro fixture against Aucas at the Estadio George Capwell, with replica shirts priced at US$99.99 for men and US$84.99 for women.
Manchester City Reveal Special Asia Tour Nameset in Hong Kong
As part of their pre-season trip to Asia, Manchester City have unveiled a special custom font and nameset during their event in Hong Kong. The unique printing style was showcased at the club's Harbour Pitch pop-up activation, giving local supporters an exclusive custom option for the 26-27 home kit.
The special font features a bold, rounded bubbly silhouette with stylized graphic cutouts integrated directly into the numbers, including skull motifs and exaggerated curves. Displayed on jerseys for players such as Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, Rayan Cherki, and Antoine Semenyo, the playful design offers a distinct creative departure from standard Premier League and cup competition typefaces.
This limited tour nameset is available at official event pop-ups in Hong Kong during the 26-27 Asia Tour. While it serves primarily as a special retail customization option for local fans, it adds a unique collectible twist to City's summer pre-season campaign in Asia.
