Barcelona have pulled the curtain back on their eye-catching new third kit – a reimagining of their classic blue and red stripes that has been inspired by the city’s young talent.
The shirt was modelled by new signing Memphis Depay – who has just joined on a free transfer from Lyon – as the club embark on a new era without their talisman Lionel Messi.
The club said the new jersey – featuring a scattered zig-zag pattern – had been a result of an artistic process involving youngsters from Barcelona, with the kit intended to be a symbol of the club’s close ties with the iconic city.
🕺🏻 3rd kit drop alert. You can tell our players are vibing
💙❤️ #CreatedByBarcelona
🎶 @stayhomas pic.twitter.com/baXJeoQZwB— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 9, 2021
It features the club’s classic red and blue stripes but they have been cut apart into different shapes and neon tones – which Barcelona says represents five neighbourhoods in the city: Poble-sec, Poble Nou, Gracia, Raval and Les Corts.
Some of the most well known cultural landmarks in each of those districts have been incorporated into the design by young artists from Barcelona, with the stripes also paying homage to the scarves worn by fans on a matchday.
The kit will be worn exclusively in Champions League games – starting with their opening Champions League group game against Bayern Munich on September 14.
🌆 Proud of our city. pic.twitter.com/A4I8112GZg— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 9, 2021
Depay captured the feel of the striking kit by dancing in a video posted by the club on social media to promote it, with a local band playing the guitar and drums in the background.
A phone flashes up to show the Dutchman showing off his moves while wearing the kit, before we’re also shown footage of midfielder Frenkie de Jong doing keepy ups and right back Serginho Dest banging on a old-school football.
Fans can buy the new shirt from today on the club’s official website or inside club stores in Spain.
Lovely