The Pelé Brand Takes the Jordan Path
May 8, 2026, by Chris
- Pelé Brand Launch: The Pelé brand, managed by NR Sports, is appearing on match kits, replacing the previous manufacturer logo, starting with Santos in April 2026.
- NR Sports Acquisition: NR Sports, owned by Neymar Jr.'s father, acquired full rights to the Pelé brand in November 2025 for approximately $18 million and has a partnership with Umbro.
- Mirassol Kit Debut: Athleta unveiled a special Mirassol jersey for the 2026 Copa Libertadores, featuring the Pelé brand logo instead of its own, highlighting Athleta's historical connection with Pelé.
In a move reminiscent of Nike's successful integration of the Jordan brand with Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil, a new sporting label dedicated to a global football icon is making its mark on the pitch. The recently launched Pelé brand has officially started appearing on match kits, completely replacing the previous manufacturer logo.
Pelé Silhouette Replaces Kit Maker Logo
Managed by NR Sports, the company responsible for the legacy of Edson Arantes do Nascimento (simply known as Pelé), the newly established Pelé brand "focuses on performance, culture, and legacy". The brand made its initial introduction to the football world in April 2026 on the Santos kit, the club where Pelé spent the vast majority of his legendary career. Now, the brand is taking another step onto the continental stage by becoming a visible special kit supplier.
NR Sports, owned by Neymar Jr.'s father, acquired full rights to the Pelé brand in November 2025 for approximately $18 million. While NR Sports does not own or manage Umbro in Brazil, they formed a strategic partnership with Umbro.
Special Santos 2026 Pele Kit
Brazilian sportswear manufacturer Athleta has unveiled a special jersey for São Paulo-based club Mirassol ahead of their historic debut in the 2026 Copa Libertadores. In a highly authentic collaboration, Athleta has opted to remove its own branding from the right side of the chest. In its place sits the Pelé brand logo, which depicts the King's immortalized "punch in the air" goal celebration. Athleta holds the unique historical distinction of being the only sports apparel brand that officially dressed Pelé throughout his entire playing career, making them the perfect partner to launch this new era.
The Mirassol 2026 Libertadores kit itself is designed with a vibrant green base complemented by golden accents on the custom ribbed collar and cuffs, echoing the classic colors of the Brazilian national team. To ensure a premium finish, both the Mirassol club crest and the new Pelé silhouette are applied in elevated 3D TPU. The kit acts as a bridge between a rising local club stepping onto the international stage and the ultimate symbol of Brazilian football greatness.
Do you think the Pelé brand can achieve the same global crossover success on football kits that the Jordan brand did? Let us know in the comments below.
SV Elversberg 26-27 Third Kit Released
German 2. Bundesliga side SV Elversberg and Nike have officially unveiled the club's new third kit for the 26-27 season. The vibrant uniform gives the team a standout alternative look for the new campaign.
The Nike SV Elversberg 26-27 third shirt features a bright red-orange base covered in an eye-catching optical halftone graphic pattern across the front and sleeves. White detailing is used for the Nike Swoosh on the right chest, while the traditional SV Elversberg crest is positioned on the left. Main sponsor HYLO sits prominently in a black rectangular box across the middle.
On the back, player names and numbers are printed in white with black outlines, with the club's tagline printed on the upper collar area. The kit is set to be worn during selected away fixtures throughout the 26-27 season.
Grenoble Foot 38 26-27 Away Kit Released
French Ligue 2 club Grenoble Foot 38 and Nike have officially launched the club's new away kit for the 26-27 season.
The Nike GF38 26-27 away jersey features a clean white base paired with vivid royal blue raglan sleeves. The defining feature of the shirt is a bold blue mountain graphic across the lower front, drawing direct inspiration from the surrounding Alps. Dark blue accents complete the look on the Nike Swoosh and the Carrefour Market sponsor logo. Just like on the home shirt, the regional coat of arms of Dauphiné is detailed on the upper back.
Matching royal blue shorts and black socks complete the full Grenoble Foot 38 26-27 away strip.
Stockport County 26-27 Third Kit Released
Stockport County and Puma have officially launched the club's new third kit for the 26-27 season. The vibrant new release completes the club's kit set for the campaign, joining the previously revealed home and away strips.
The Stockport County 26-27 third shirt introduces a striking coral base color featuring a subtle vertical graphic pattern running down the front. All accent details, including the Puma cat logo, main front sponsor VITA, and the monochrome Stockport County crest, are finished in contrasting black.
Matching coral shorts and socks complete the full uniform setup. The Puma Stockport County 26-27 third kit is available to purchase now both online and at the physical County Store.
Sint-Truidense 26-27 Away Kit Released
Belgian Pro League side Sint-Truidense VV has officially launched its new away kit for the 26-27 season, designed by Olympic. Following the release of their home kit earlier this summer, the new away strip presents a sharp monochromatic look for the upcoming campaign.
The Sint-Truidense 26-27 away jersey features a clean white base dominated by thin black vertical pinstripes running down the body. Contrasting black raglan sleeves are finished with white trim on the cuffs, while a black V-neck collar anchors the overall layout. The club crest sits centrally on the upper chest, complemented by Olympic branding and various sponsor logos across the shirt. Completing the full look, the shirt is paired with black shorts and dark socks.
The new STVV 26-27 away uniform is now officially available for purchase through the club's webshop.
Siena FC 26-27 Home Kit Released
Italian Serie D club Siena FC has officially revealed its new home kit for the 26-27 season, produced by Adidas. The design highlights the club's iconic black and white identity through a bold geometric concept.
The Adidas Siena FC 26-27 home jersey features a distinctive quartered pattern across the front. Black and white blocks create a stark contrast across the chest and torso, accompanied by Adidas' signature three stripes on the shoulders and a classic crew collar. Subtle gold accents along the bottom hem add a refined touch to the overall look.
Completing the design, the official Siena FC crest is positioned on the left chest opposite a clean white Adidas logo.
FC Luzern 125th Anniversary Kit Released
FC Luzern and Erreà have officially launched a special 125th anniversary kit as part of the Swiss club's jubilee celebrations for the 26-27 season. Founded in 1901, the Lucerne-based side is marking 125 years of history with a refined design that pays homage to traditional football aesthetics.
The shirt features an off-white base with a dark navy polo collar and matching sleeve cuffs. To maintain a clean retro look, all main sponsor logos as well as the Erreà manufacturer logo are applied in tonal whiteout styling, blending into the fabric. The central highlight of the design is the special gold octagonal crest on the chest, bordered by laurel leaves and the number 125. Completing the look, the back of the shirt features dark navy numbers alongside the commemorative years 1901-2026 printed in gold below the collar.
The uniform is completed with dark navy shorts and socks. FC Luzern will wear the kit during their official jubilee match against FC Lausanne-Sport on August 22, 2026.
Mitre 2026 FA Community Shield Ball Released
Mitre has officially revealed the official match ball for the 2026 FA Community Shield. Based on the brand's flagship Ultimax Pro model, the special-edition ball will take center stage at the traditional English season opener in Cardiff featuring Arsenal and Manchester City.
The ball introduces a vibrant look designed to stand out on the pitch, combining bold shades of orange, yellow, light blue, and deep navy fluidly draped across white panels. Mitre's signature chevron graphics appear across the upper, highlighted by silver and navy outlines. Official branding reading The FA Community Shield and 26-27 season detailing are stamped directly on the main panel.
Technically, the 26-27 FA Community Shield Ultimax Pro ball utilizes Mitre's top-tier thermally bonded panel structure, equipped with hyperflow debossed surface texturing for superior flight consistency and grip. The match ball has been launched in limited numbers and is available now via select stockists including Pro:Direct Soccer.