Football kits aren't just clothes. They're basically tribal markers. When a club like Manchester City, a team defined by "Sky Blue," decides to pivot toward a deep burgundy or "claret" for their alternative look, it always sparks a massive debate among the fans. You've probably seen the leaks or the official launches and thought, "Wait, isn't that a West Ham or Villa color?" It’s a fair question. Honestly, the Manchester City red third kit—or specifically the deep maroon and burgundy iterations we’ve seen recently from Puma—carries a lot more historical weight than most people realize.
It isn't just a random choice by a marketing executive in a boardroom.
The Real History Behind the Red and Maroon
Most casual fans think City is strictly blue. That’s wrong. If you look back at the late 1960s and early 1970s, the era of club legends like Colin Bell, Francis Lee, and Mike Summerbee, the away colors were famously red and black stripes. This was actually an idea from the legendary coach Malcolm Allison. He believed that wearing the colors of AC Milan would make City feel more "European" and intimidating. It worked. They won the 1969 FA Cup Final and the 1970 Cup Winners' Cup in those colors.
But the maroon—the shade that often gets called "red" in search results—goes even deeper.
We are talking about the early 20th century. Specifically, the 1934 and 1956 FA Cup-winning teams wore maroon socks or trim. Puma knows this. When they designed the recent Manchester City red third kit concepts and the official burgundy-heavy kits, they were tapping into that specific nostalgia. It’s a bit of a bridge between the hyper-modern "City Football Group" era and the gritty, mud-caked days of Maine Road.
Design Specifics and the Puma Era
Since Puma took over the manufacturing contract from Nike back in 2019, they’ve been way more aggressive with the color palette. Nike was kinda safe. Puma? Not so much.
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Take a look at the 2024/25 third kit. It’s technically "Burgundy Crush." People call it red. People call it maroon. Whatever label you put on it, the design features these subtle, tonal metallic details that are supposed to represent the "movement" of the city. If you look closely at the fabric under stadium lights, it has this shimmer. It’s a far cry from the flat cotton shirts of the 70s. The kit usually pairs with copper or gold detailing on the badges and sponsor logos. It looks expensive. That’s the point.
Why Third Kits Pivot Away from Blue
Why does a team need a third kit anyway? It’s mostly about TV.
In the modern Premier League and Champions League, color clashes are a nightmare for broadcasters. If City plays a team like Chelsea or Leicester, they can't wear sky blue. If the opponent has a white and blue away kit, City’s second kit might clash too. That’s where the Manchester City red third kit comes into play. It provides a high-contrast alternative that looks distinct on a 4K television screen.
Also, let's be real: money.
The "lifestyle" segment of football apparel is exploding. Fans who already own five different shades of sky blue are way more likely to buy a deep red or burgundy shirt because it looks like "streetwear." You can wear a burgundy jersey with a pair of jeans and not look like you're heading to a 5-a-side match. It’s a fashion play.
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The "Burgundy Crush" Controversy
Not everyone is a fan. You’ll find old-school supporters on forums like BlueMoon who absolutely loathe any hint of red. The reason? Manchester United.
The rivalry is so deep that for decades, any kit that looked remotely like "United Red" was a non-starter. This is why the City design team usually leans into "Claret" or "Maroon" rather than a bright, primary red. It’s a tactical move to avoid offending the die-hards while still offering something different. When the Manchester City red third kit leans toward that darker, wine-colored spectrum, it’s a nod to history that stays just far enough away from the Old Trafford aesthetic to be acceptable.
What to Look for When Buying
If you're looking to pick one of these up, you need to understand the difference between the "Authentic" and "Replica" versions. This is where people get ripped off or disappointed.
- The Authentic (Player Version): This is what Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne wear. It’s incredibly tight. If you have a normal human body, it might feel like a compression shirt. It uses Puma’s "ULTRAWEAVE" technology, which is basically a fancy way of saying it's incredibly light and has no seams to prevent chafing. The badges are heat-pressed rubber, not stitched.
- The Replica (Fan Version): This is what 90% of people should buy. It’s a standard fit. The badges are embroidered, which actually lasts longer in the washing machine anyway. It uses "dryCELL" fabric. It’s comfortable. It’s cheaper.
There is a massive difference in price—usually about £40 to £50 ($60). Don't buy the player version unless you're planning on actually sprinting for 90 minutes.
Real World Performance
How does it actually look on the pitch? In the 2024/25 season, City utilized these darker kits frequently in away Champions League fixtures. Under the floodlights, the "Burgundy Crush" color looks almost black from a distance, but as the players move, the red tones pop. It’s a "moody" kit. It fits the "villain" arc that some rival fans like to project onto City’s dominance.
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Sustainability and Fabric Tech
One thing Puma doesn't get enough credit for is the RE:FIBRE program.
Most of the recent Manchester City red third kit production runs use recycled textile waste. They aren't just melting down plastic bottles anymore; they’re actually taking old polyester garments and turning them back into new yarn. It’s a complex chemical process, but the result is a kit that feels identical to virgin polyester but has a much lower carbon footprint. If you're someone who cares about the environmental impact of fast fashion, this is a legitimate step forward in the sports industry.
Common Misconceptions
- "It's a tribute to West Ham": No. Even though the colors are similar, City’s use of maroon predates most modern associations with other clubs.
- "The red means they’re copying United": Again, no. The red and black stripes of the 60s are a core part of City’s identity. The burgundy is a separate, older tradition.
- "The kits are the same every year": If you look at the 2022/23 "Physicist" inspired kit versus the recent burgundy ones, the tech and the shade vary wildly.
Final Thoughts on the Kit's Legacy
The Manchester City red third kit will always be a polarizing piece of gear. It challenges the "Blue Moon" status quo. But whether you love the color or hate it, you can't deny the thought that goes into the heritage. From Malcolm Allison's Milan-inspired dreams to the high-tech, recycled fabrics of today, these kits are a snapshot of where the club is at.
How to Handle Your New Kit
If you’ve just grabbed one, don’t ruin it in the wash.
- Turn it inside out: This protects the heat-pressed sponsor logos (Etihad Airways) from peeling.
- Cold wash only: Heat is the enemy of polyester and elastane.
- No tumble dryer: Seriously. Hang it up. It’ll dry in an hour anyway.
- Avoid fabric softener: It clogs the "pores" of the dryCELL fabric, making it less effective at wicking away sweat.
By following these steps, that deep burgundy will stay vibrant for years, rather than fading into a weird, washed-out pink after three months.
Check the sizing charts carefully before ordering online. Puma tends to run slightly smaller than Adidas or Nike, especially across the chest. If you’re between sizes, always go up. There’s nothing worse than a kit that’s too tight to wear comfortably at the pub.