We are halfway into the 2025 footballing season currently, but early leaks about next season’s kits have already started to make rounds on the internet.
If you would recall, I had recently done an article on the 26/27 leaked home, away and third kits of Barcelona.
This time, I would be talking about the Premier League club, Chelsea.
Nike, in collaboration with Chelsea, are set to release a special long-sleeve retro kit for the 26/27 season.
The retro kit takes inspiration from Chelsea’s 26/27 leaked third kit (see below), featuring a blue base with white and red pinstripes, echoing early-90s casual wear.
[Image Credit: Footy Headlines]
It is said to be a lifestyle/casual wear jersey rather than a matchday jersey. It will feature a shield-style retro crest, a nod to older Chelsea badges from the 1990s.
The most nostalgic element of all is the classic shield-style crest, replacing the current round badge.
The shield design is reminiscent of Chelsea’s iconic logo from the 1990’s as mentioned above, further emphasising the jersey’s character as a special piece.
The crest was used by Chelsea in different formations from 1986 to 2005.
The 1990’s were undoubtedly the most important decade in Chelsea’s modern trajectory. The team progressed from being a mid-table, unreliable, financially unstable side to a popular, international, cup-winning team that created the platform for the worldwide powerhouse Chelsea would go on to become in the 2000’s.
Chelsea were a classic “cup team” at the time. Unpredictable, capable of good runs but also collapses.
The club was overshadowed by stronger sides like Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool.
1996 is when Chelsea exploded into a new era culturally and on the pitch.
The signing of Ruud Gullit, a Ballon D’or winner, was seen as a statement signing. No other mid-table clubs were able to sign such big names at the time.
Chelsea had entirely transitioned from a struggling team to a top-tier English force by the end of the 1990’s.
This then set the stage for the Abramovich takeover in 2003, which was built on those foundations set in the 90’s.
This makeover demonstrates Nike’s dedication to celebrating the club’s heritage while still preserving a current edge. We can also see the same nostalgic element in the current Chelsea third kit of this 25/26 season.
The retro kit is expected to be available in and around September 2026, aligning with the release of Chelsea’s 26/27 third-kit. If the leaks are accurate, the retro jersey may swiftly become a standout and a sell-out item.
This photoshop job featuring Joao Pedro gives a glimpse of how would it look on the players:
Its long-sleeve pattern, mixed with streetwear-friendly design, shows that Nike is targeting both collectors and fans who appreciate vintage-inspired football kits.
The Chelsea 26/27 retro kit is a perfect way to bring the old-time Chelsea style back to the fans as the Blues keep progressing not only on the pitch but off it as well. The fashion might be as outdated as people say but football has proved to be just as timeless as the game itself.
