Community Shield

The sleeve patch worn during recent 2026 FA Community Shield match featured a unique, customized touch: the ribbon running across the shield was split into red and sky blue, representing the primary colors of Arsenal and Manchester City.

This bespoke ribbon colorway tradition first debuted at the 2015 FA Community Shield in the clash between Arsenal and Chelsea.

The only exceptions to this colored-ribbon tradition occurred in 2020 (Arsenal vs. Liverpool) and 2025 (Crystal Palace vs. Liverpool), where the ribbons on the patch were rendered in neutral white. This adjustment is believed to be the FA's standard protocol to maintain visual balance when both competing clubs share the same primary kit color (red).

Another unique scenario took place in 2021. Even though Manchester City wore their away kit against Leicester City, the patch still featured both clubs' traditional home colors. This was possible because City’s sky blue and Leicester’s royal blue possess distinguishable shades.

Big thanks to @jerseystory_vn for spotting this detail and creating the collage.

During the 2026 FA Community Shield, Gianluigi Donnarumma was once again spotted wearing a replica jersey on the pitch rather than an authentic player-issue shirt. Details such as the embroidered crest and the standard dryCELL branding confirmed his kit choice.

This marks the second consecutive season since joining Manchester City that the Italian goalkeeper has opted for the replica version. The reason stems from Puma's player-issue shirts featuring a tighter, more athletic cut, whereas Donnarumma prefers a looser, roomier fit for maximum comfort and freedom of movement.

Big thanks to @jerseystory_vn for spotting this detail and creating the comparison graphic.

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.

The sleeve patch worn during recent 2026 FA Community Shield match featured a unique, customized touch: the ribbon running across the shield was split into red and sky blue, representing the primary colors of Arsenal and Manchester City.

This bespoke ribbon colorway tradition first debuted at the 2015 FA Community Shield in the clash between Arsenal and Chelsea.

The only exceptions to this colored-ribbon tradition occurred in 2020 (Arsenal vs. Liverpool) and 2025 (Crystal Palace vs. Liverpool), where the ribbons on the patch were rendered in neutral white. This adjustment is believed to be the FA's standard protocol to maintain visual balance when both competing clubs share the same primary kit color (red).

Another unique scenario took place in 2021. Even though Manchester City wore their away kit against Leicester City, the patch still featured both clubs' traditional home colors. This was possible because City’s sky blue and Leicester’s royal blue possess distinguishable shades.

Big thanks to @jerseystory_vn for spotting this detail and creating the collage.

During the 2026 FA Community Shield, Gianluigi Donnarumma was once again spotted wearing a replica jersey on the pitch rather than an authentic player-issue shirt. Details such as the embroidered crest and the standard dryCELL branding confirmed his kit choice.

This marks the second consecutive season since joining Manchester City that the Italian goalkeeper has opted for the replica version. The reason stems from Puma's player-issue shirts featuring a tighter, more athletic cut, whereas Donnarumma prefers a looser, roomier fit for maximum comfort and freedom of movement.

Big thanks to @jerseystory_vn for spotting this detail and creating the comparison graphic.

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.