Chelsea FC Unveils Third Kit for 2025-26 Season
Chelsea FC has unveiled its third kit for the upcoming 2025-26 season, drawing heavily on the influence of the club’s storied past, specifically the era of José Mourinho. This new kit is part of Nike’s nostalgic “Total 90” collection, which aims to capture the distinctive style of soccer jerseys from the mid-2000s.
Nostalgic Design Elements
With elements such as a shield-shaped piping, centrally positioned crest, and pointed collars reminiscent of designs popular two decades ago, the jersey evokes a sense of nostalgia for fans.
Historical Context
It’s worth noting that during the peak of Mourinho’s tenure from 2004 onwards, Chelsea was outfitted in kits designed by Umbro and Adidas, yet Nike is leveraging the iconic memories associated with that time. Mourinho burst onto the scene in 2004 after his triumphant UEFA Champions League victory with FC Porto, taking the helm of Chelsea to a remarkable six trophies within three years.
The new kit’s dark color palette pays homage to the away kits of Chelsea’s notable 2004-05 season, during which the likes of Petr Čech, Ricardo Carvalho, Arjen Robben, Didier Drogba, and established players like John Terry, Claude Makélélé, and Frank Lampard forged a tenacious team under Mourinho’s leadership.
Achievements Under Mourinho
This squad achieved a landmark Premier League title in 2005 — the club’s first league championship in five decades — and also secured the League Cup. However, following a successful title defense the next season, friction arose between Mourinho and then-club owner Roman Abramovich, resulting in his departure in 2007.
Nevertheless, Mourinho returned in 2013 after stints at Internazionale and Real Madrid, capturing a third league title before eventually parting ways with the club once more.
Looking Ahead
As Chelsea heads into the 2025-26 season as reigning FIFA Club World Cup champions, the club is poised to invoke the spirit of Mourinho’s successful era, with aspirations of clinching their first Premier League title since the 2016-17 season.
It should be noted that while the men’s team strives for glory, Chelsea’s women’s squad has already made history by winning the last six Women’s Super League titles and achieving a domestic treble last season, including victories in both the FA Cup and League Cup.
