Manchester City’s New Third Kit for 2025-26 Season
Manchester City has launched an intriguing new third kit for the 2025-26 season, drawing inspiration from the city’s notorious rainy weather. The design pays tribute to Manchester’s frequent gloomy skies, resulting in a jersey that is likely to provoke mixed reactions among fans. While some may find the concept refreshingly original, others might label it as one of the least appealing football kits ever created.
Manchester’s Rainy Reputation
Manchester ranks among the wetter cities in the UK, with annual rainfall averaging about 86.7 centimeters. This places it below even its nearby rival, Preston, which sees 103.4 centimeters, and significantly less than Cardiff’s 120.3 centimeters and Glasgow’s staggering 1,370 centimeters.
Design Features of the New Kit
The new kit features a dominant steel grey color, mirroring the typical clouds that hover over the city, complemented by a graphic representing raindrops that gives the fabric a “wet look”. To create a striking visual contrast, neon green accents have been incorporated, making the overall design quite distinctive. The club’s crest hasn’t been left out, either; it is adorned with an eye-catching transition from blue to green, topped with a shimmer reminiscent of water droplets on glass. The inside of the kit thoughtfully conveys the message “rain or shine,” subtly nodding to Manchester’s infamous climate.
Historical Context and Fan Reception
This jersey may claim a spot in football history alongside other memorable yet polarizing designs, such as Chelsea’s vivid orange away kit from 1994 and Manchester United’s unflattering camouflage version from 1996. However, it may resonate well with the dedicated City fanbase accustomed to the city’s typical downpours.
Reflections from Club Legend Sergio Aguero
Club legend Sergio Aguero, who left Manchester in 2021, once humorously reflected on the city’s rain-soaked reputation, recalling how players frequently warned him about the weather. “They said it rained a lot and that the weather was never good, but I thought: ‘We just need to train and play. What else?’” Aguero noted, highlighting that whether it rains or shines, his focus remained solely on the game. His fondness for Manchester, despite the weather, emphasizes the deep connection that players can form with the city, regardless of its often dreary climate.
