Fan Controversy Erupts Over "Mismatched" Shorts on Adidas Liverpool 26-27 Home Kit
May 25, 2026, by Chris
- Kit Mismatch: The Adidas Liverpool 2026-2027 home kit has sparked controversy due to a color and pattern mismatch between the shirt and shorts.
- Manufacturing Process: The color difference is due to the dye-sublimation printing process used for the shirt's retro graphic, which results in a less saturated red compared to the traditionally dyed fabric of the shorts.
- Historical Accuracy: Kit historians argue that the mismatch is actually authentic to the original 1989-1991 Adidas 'Candy' kit, which also featured a similar color discrepancy.
Today's debut of the Adidas Liverpool 2026-2027 home kit has sparked a heated debate online.
Color of Liverpool Shirt & Socks Mismatch Because of Sublimation & Color Process
While fans were initially thrilled about the return of the iconic 1989-1991 geometric pattern, the debut has revealed a slight discrepancy between the shirt and the shorts.
The patterned jersey appears to be a slightly muted, darker shade of red, while the accompanying shorts are a bright, vivid, and solid red without any matching graphics. This visual clash immediately drew criticism from some supporters, with fans taking to social media to complain that it "looks like two different kits" and accusing Adidas of failing to deliver a cohesive design.
The noticeable color difference comes down to the realities of kit manufacturing. The complex retro graphic on the shirt requires a dye-sublimation printing process. Because the design is essentially printed directly onto the garment, dye-sublimated red rarely achieves the same deep, vivid saturation as standard pre-dyed fabric. The shorts, conversely, are constructed from traditionally dyed red fabric, resulting in a much brighter and punchier shade that naturally clashes with the printed top.
However, before writing off the design as a modern manufacturing blunder, football kit historians have been quick to point out that this mismatch is actually incredibly authentic to the original inspiration. Photographs of the classic 1989-1991 Adidas 'Candy' kit show the exact same phenomenon: players took to the Anfield pitch wearing a patterned, slightly duller red shirt paired with bright, solid red shorts. Rather than an error, Adidas appears to have faithfully recreated the quirky, mismatched aesthetic of the original era.
The colors used for the shirt and shorts were intended to be the same, both "Active Maroon".
Also, interestingly, many players chose extremely large jerseys.
What do you think of this discrepancy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Al-Ittihad 26-27 Home Kit Leaked?
A picture of a potential Al-Ittihad 26-27 kit has been shared online, sparking discussion about whether it could be the Saudi club's new jersey. The image was originally posted by the Arabic kit account @MidanAlAtqam on X, featuring a design that could potentially serve as the next shirt for the team.
At this stage, we cannot verify the authenticity of the design.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates if more concrete information regarding the new Al-Ittihad kit becomes available.
Everton 26-27 Away Kit Leaked
Everton's new 26-27 away kit has been leaked in an unusual way, appearing early on a massive advertising billboard ahead of its official release. Pictures of the public advertisement have surfaced online, giving fans an early look at what Castore has designed for the club's upcoming campaign on the road. With the home kit having already launched earlier in July, the away shirt has been the next highly anticipated release for supporters.
The Everton 26-27 away kit introduces a classic pinstripes design
Leicester City 26-27 Away Kit Released
The Leicester City 26-27 away kit has been officially released today. Produced by Adidas, the new away shirt introduces a retro-inspired design and is currently available to purchase at the club's pop-up shop.
The Adidas Leicester City 26-27 away football shirt is predominantly maroon. The standout features of the kit are its classic branding elements, utilizing the iconic Adidas Trefoil logo alongside a retro leaping fox crest in place of the standard modern club badge.
This launch confirms earlier leaks and places Leicester City among the select Adidas clubs to receive the classic Trefoil logo for their alternative kits during the 26-27 season. The vintage aesthetic has been well-received by fans following the official reveal.
Hertha BSC 26-27 Away Kit Revealed
The new Hertha BSC 26-27 away kit has been revealed. Made by Castore, the new away shirt will be worn during the upcoming 2. Bundesliga season.
The Castore Hertha Berlin 26-27 away jersey introduces a fresh look for the club. It is navy with a blue and white design that, in our opinion, looks like a screensaver.
What are your thoughts on the new Hertha BSC 26-27 away kit by Castore? Let us know in the comments.
Norway Debut Third Variant for 2026 World Cup Home Kit
Norway debuted a third variation of their home kit during the Quarter-final match against England. This marks their 5th different kit combination at the 2026 World Cup.
With this, Norway joins Colombia as teams with the second-most kit variations used in a single World Cup. France still holds the record, having used 6 different combinations during the 2018 World Cup. Big thanks to our partner @jerseystory_vn for spotting this and creating the graphic.
Norway Fix Home Kit Font Mistake at 2026 World Cup
After being spotted printing their away nameset (featuring a black crest) on the home shirt during the Round of 16 match against Brazil, Norway corrected the mistake in their recent match against England, using in the correct home nameset (featuring original crest).
Huge thanks for @jerseystory_vn for the collage.