The Evolution of Football Kits
The realm of football kits has undergone a remarkable transformation since the dawn of the new millennium, with many teams introducing designs that could easily be classified as modern classics. Although the 1990s are often celebrated for their iconic retro shirts, the period since 2000 has also produced a plethora of standout jerseys that have captured fans’ hearts.
Trends in Kit Releases
As we approach the end of 2025, it is evident that the trend of clubs releasing multiple kits each season is on the rise. For instance, in the 2025 season alone, Manchester City showcased an impressive collection of nine different match kits. This bodes well for the future, as clubs continue to innovate in design and style.
Celebrating Remarkable Kits
To celebrate these advancements, we’ve curated a list of 25 remarkable football kits introduced by various top clubs worldwide over the past two decades. Our selections were made with insight from worldwide ESPN editors, focusing on originality and creativity.
While some kits draw inspiration from historical designs, our selection avoids reissues and throwback concepts; thus, notable examples like Arsenal’s 2019-20 homage to the “bruised banana” or Inter Milan’s 2020-21 throwback are absent. We also shy away from limited-edition or novelty kits, opting instead for those that have become staples from the 21st century.
Standout Entries
Among the standout entries, AC Milan began the century with a striking kit featuring the iconic red and black stripes that remain relevant today, despite the team’s struggles during that era. Likewise, Ajax’s breathtaking 2022-23 away kit showcased an elegant design that fused inspiration from Amsterdam’s coat of arms with vibrant colors, although the club struggled to secure silverware that season.
Arsenal bid farewell to Highbury with their elegant ‘redcurrant’ kit, echoing their historic look while reaching the UEFA Champions League final under Thierry Henry’s captaincy. Barcelona’s 2010-11 home kit is often considered a benchmark, boasting a simple yet effective striping design that was paired with the explosive talent of Lionel Messi, contributing to their dual triumphs in LaLiga and the Champions League.
Bayern Munich’s 2021-22 away kit dazzled fans with its black base and shimmering gold trim, adorned with intricate detailing like a golden emblem that references Munich’s coat of arms. Similarly, Boca Juniors retained their renowned blue and gold striped aesthetic with a beautifully crafted home shirt from the 2001-02 season, which is still remembered fondly.
Innovative Designs
In the A-League, Brisbane Roar’s 2024-25 away kit featured an off-white and maroon checkerboard design, artfully representing the state’s colors. Meanwhile, Osaka’s neon pink and navy striped home jersey from around the millennium exemplified the boldness of 90s designs, merging clashing patterns and colors that surprisingly complemented each other.
The tribute kit by Corinthians in 2018 honored the legendary Ayrton Senna, encapsulating his spirit with signatures and design elements referencing his illustrious career. Flamengo’s signature blend of red and black was also on display in their eye-catching kit that featured intricate micro stripes.
Inter Milan’s 2019-20 third kit skillfully revived the aesthetics of the 90s race car era, while Juventus brought sophistication to their 2024-25 third kit through a night sky-inspired design with elegant golden touches. Liverpool’s creamy away kit from the 2021-22 season became a favorite, with classic colorways and sophisticated styling giving it a timeless feel.
South African club Sundowns celebrated with their 2021-22 away kit that vividly reflected the sunset, combining prints with vibrant hues. Manchester City revisited a classic sash design with a twist, leading to their revamp for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Even Internacional’s third kit from 2019 reminded fans of the beautiful simplicity of well-designed apparel, while the Pumas’ 2016-17 kit showcased a unique historical graphic that captivated spectators.
Lastly, Real Madrid’s “lucky orange” kit proved fortuitous as it led them back to glory, while River Plate’s eternal classic served as a reminder of how tradition can remain relevant. Roma’s exquisite navy third kit, with its intricate details and vintage feel, continues to be cherished by fans, demonstrating the longevity of well-crafted designs.
Conclusion
The incredible variety of designs reflects the creativity and artistry that has defined football shirts in the 21st century, and as soccer continues to evolve, these modern classics will be celebrated for the generations to come.
