Honestly, football kits are usually pretty predictable. You get the home shirt that looks like every other home shirt from the last thirty years, a safe away kit, and then something a bit weird for the third. But the 2025/26 Man City 3rd kit isn't just "weird." It’s a statement. It’s also a lightning rod for debate among the Etihad faithful.
Manchester City and Puma have been on a bit of a run lately with designs that lean heavily into the city's industrial roots and musical heritage. This latest drop is no different. It’s loud. Some people hate it. Some people (the ones with taste, maybe?) absolutely love it. If you’ve been following the kit leaks over the last few months, you knew something polarizing was coming, but seeing it on the pitch under the floodlights is a completely different experience. It basically glows.
The inspiration behind the Man City 3rd kit
Most fans think designers just throw darts at a color wheel. That's not really how it works at this level. For this specific Man City 3rd kit, the design team at Puma went deep into the archives of Manchester’s nightlife and the "City Never Sleeps" vibe. We're talking about a palette that reflects the neon lights of the Northern Quarter and the metallic sheen of the ship canal at dusk.
It’s a mix of "Burgundy Crush" and "High-Risk Red," accented with these almost radioactive trim details. It’s sharp. It’s aggressive. It’s exactly the kind of thing you want to see Erling Haaland wearing while he’s terrifying a center-back in a midweek cup game.
The ship from the club crest is still there, obviously. But this time, it’s tonal. They’ve moved away from the traditional colored badge for this iteration, opting for a monochromatic look that blends into the fabric. It’s a move that usually annoys the "traditionalists," but let’s be real—the 3rd kit is where you’re supposed to take risks. If you want tradition, buy the home shirt. This is for the street. This is for the fans who wear their jerseys to festivals and bars, not just to the stadium.
Tech specs and the player version vs. fan version
There’s a massive difference in how these shirts feel. You've got the "Authentic" version, which is what the players actually wear. It’s got the ULTRAWEAVE fabric. It’s incredibly light. If you’re actually playing 5-a-side every week, that’s the one you want because it doesn't soak up sweat like a sponge.
Then you have the "Replica."
It’s cheaper.
It’s more durable.
It’s made for sitting in the stands or going to the pub.
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Puma has been using their "dryCELL" technology for a while now, and it holds up. One thing most people get wrong about the Man City 3rd kit is the fit. The player version is tight. Very tight. If you aren't an elite athlete, maybe size up. Or just stick to the replica which has a much more "human" cut.
Why third kits matter more than you think
Money.
Obviously, it’s about money. But it’s also about brand identity. Manchester City isn't just a local club anymore; they are a global entertainment product. When they play a pre-season friendly in Tokyo or Seoul, they need a kit that looks good on social media. The Man City 3rd kit is designed specifically to pop on a smartphone screen.
The color choice isn't accidental. Red and burgundy hues in Manchester have a complicated history because of, well, the neighbors across town. But City has a long-standing tradition of using red and black or maroon in their away kits, dating back to the 1960s and 70s. This is a modern, neon-infused nod to that history. It’s basically the club saying, "We own this city, and we’ll wear whatever colors we want."
Sustainability and the "Re:Fibre" initiative
Puma has actually done something decent here. This kit is part of their Re:Fibre program. They are taking old polyester scraps—everything from factory offcuts to old jerseys—and turning them back into new yarn. It’s not just "recycled plastic bottles" anymore, which was the old industry standard. They are actually closing the loop on textile waste.
It’s a small detail, but when you’re producing millions of these things, it adds up. Most fans don't care about the molecular structure of their shirt, but it’s a nice bonus to know your $100 isn’t just funding more landfill.
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How to style the Man City 3rd kit without looking like a full-kit wanker
Look, we’ve all seen it. The guy in the full socks, shorts, and shirt at the grocery store. Don't be that guy.
Because the Man City 3rd kit is so loud, you have to pair it with something neutral.
Black jeans.
Maybe some cargo pants if you’re feeling that 90s Manchester vibe.
The colors in this kit are so saturated that if you wear anything else bright, you’ll look like a highlighter.
The best way to pull this off is to treat the jersey like a statement piece. Throw a dark denim jacket or an overshirt over it. Let the neon accents do the work. It’s a kit designed for the "terrace-core" aesthetic that's been dominating fashion lately. Brands like Stone Island and CP Company have paved the way for this look, and the City 3rd kit fits right into that subculture.
Common misconceptions about the "maroon" colors
People keep calling it "United red."
It’s not.
If you look at the 1956 FA Cup final or the 1969 victory, City has a deep history with maroon. The "Burgundy Crush" used in this year's Man City 3rd kit is a direct descendant of those kits. It’s a sophisticated shade. It’s deeper, more "wine" than "blood."
Also, the gold lettering on the back?
Chef’s kiss.
It makes the whole thing look premium. When you see the names like Foden or De Bruyne printed in that metallic font, it just feels like a championship-winning outfit.
Buying advice: Where to get it and what to avoid
Don’t buy the fakes. Seriously.
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You’ll see them all over social media for $20. They look okay for the first five minutes, then you wash them once and the badge peels off and the "breathable" fabric starts feeling like a plastic bag. Stick to the official City Store or reputable retailers like Kitbag or Fanatics.
If you’re looking for a deal, wait until the mid-season sales. Usually, around January, the prices on the Man City 3rd kit start to dip before the spring push. But if you want it for the Champions League knockout stages, you’ll probably have to pay the full retail price.
- Authentic Player Version: ~$140/£120
- Replica Fan Version: ~$90/£80
- Long Sleeve Option: Usually an extra $10 (and honestly, it looks better with this specific design).
The verdict on the 25/26 design
Is it the best kit City has ever had? Probably not. The 18/19 away kit or the classic 90s Brother-sponsored shirts still hold that crown for most people. But is it the most "Manchester" kit they've had in years? Absolutely. It captures that specific feeling of the city at night—rain-slicked pavement, neon signs, and a bit of grit.
It’s a kit that will be remembered. Ten years from now, people will be looking for this on vintage sites because it’s so distinct. It’s not a safe design, and in a world where every kit is starting to look the same, that’s something worth celebrating.
Actionable steps for fans and collectors:
First, check the sizing on the Puma website specifically for the "Pro" fit versus the "Regular" fit; the gap is wider than you think. If you’re a collector, keep the tags on and buy the "Authentic" version, as these tend to hold significantly more resale value in the long run. For those planning to wear it regularly, wash it inside out on a cold cycle to preserve the heat-pressed sponsors. Finally, if you're undecided on the color, go see it in person at the Etihad stadium store—the "Burgundy Crush" looks much darker and more "premium" in natural light than it does in the over-saturated promotional photos online.