Man City’s 2025/26 ‘disgusting’ third kit ranked worst in Premier League history

Manchester City’s leaked 2025-26 third uniform has been voted the worst in Premier League history, causing fans to demand that the club end its relationship with Puma.

Puma has sponsored the Sky Blues since July 2019 and recently announced a record-breaking £1 billion kit agreement that would last until 2035. Throughout Pep Guardiola’s reign as manager, the German design business has provided Pep Guardiola’s team with their shirts.

The Cityzens have unveiled their home kit for the upcoming season, which incorporates the club’s trademark sky blue colour with a diagonal white stripe. That kit earned mostly excellent reviews, but their third kit is a sight to behold, and it has supporters questioning their new arrangement.

Man City’s “Horror” New Third Kit Voted Worst In Premier League History

“What were they thinking?”

In June, the kit news source ‘Opaleak’ revealed images of City’s new third kit, which sparked an immediate outrage from fans. It has a silver-grey base, a raindrop-inspired graphic print, with neon green embellishments.

The 2025/26 #ManCity third kit, according to @opaleak. 🌧️🟢

📸 @grhaer9 pic.twitter.com/F1epII1leC

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) June 3, 2025

The Etihad fans will most likely be hoping that Erling Haaland and Phil Foden do not have to wear that kit next season. Grey has a negative reputation in the Premier League, as evidenced by Sir Alex Ferguson’s comments.

The kit’s “Cool Weather/Pro Green” color scheme has been mocked by fans and kit news site Footy Headlines.

“Many think the kit is one of the worst ever, not only for the club but for football teams worldwide, and it is easy to see why.”

The “horror” kit, rated 1.57/5 on FootballKitArchive, is the worst in Premier League history, surpassing Aston Villa’s ‘acorns’ home kit from 2008-09.

It’s also been criticized on X, with City supporters stunned, with one writing:

“That might be the worst football kit ever. “Truly horrifying.”

Another supporter hopes that the new Puma contract includes a get-out clause:

“Puma deadass trolling bro get them tf out, we need to terminate that contract.”

A supporter asked:

“How many drugs was the person who made this on?”

A rival fan wrote:

“That’s the worst premier league kit I’ve ever seen, without exception.”

City fans may have the unlucky opportunity to experience (or wear) grey when Guardiola’s team faces Palermo in a preseason friendly on August 9. That could be the first time the uniform has been seen on the players, while a mysterious new black kit is due to be released on Friday.

What Manchester City Must Do to Secure a Place in the Club World Cup Knockout Rounds

Manchester City’s journey in the FIFA Club World Cup has begun with the kind of intensity fans have come to expect from the reigning European champions. As the tournament progresses, the focus now shifts to what the English giants need to do in order to guarantee their place in the knockout stages of this prestigious global competition.

Pep Guardiola’s side entered the tournament as favorites, given their recent success in Europe and the depth of talent across their squad. However, the Club World Cup presents a unique challenge, with unfamiliar opponents from different continents bringing contrasting styles and unpredictable dynamics.

Qualification for the knockout stages isn’t automatic for any side, no matter how decorated. City must navigate a combination of group stage results, goal difference, and performance metrics to ensure progression. Their path depends not just on winning, but on how convincingly they do so.

The format of the Club World Cup requires teams to perform efficiently from the outset. Each match carries heightened importance due to the limited number of games. A single misstep can significantly alter the course of qualification hopes, especially when goal differential becomes a factor in tight groups.

Manchester City have already demonstrated their intent with a dominant opening performance. Still, the competition is far from over. To seal their place in the next round, they must maintain momentum and stay tactically sharp. Any lapse in focus could give an edge to rivals eager to make a statement against European royalty.

Much will depend on Guardiola’s squad rotation and management of player fatigue. With domestic obligations also ongoing, balancing workloads becomes key. The Club World Cup offers no room for error, and strategic decisions about who starts and who rests could influence the outcome of each group fixture.

City’s experience in navigating group formats—whether in the Champions League or domestic cups—gives them an advantage. Their tactical flexibility, from playing with an inverted fullback system to a false nine, allows them to adjust to diverse opposition styles. This adaptability will be crucial as they face teams they are less familiar with.

What City need is a combination of points and strong goal difference. In some scenarios, a draw may be enough if accompanied by a previous or subsequent dominant win. In others, only a clear victory will ensure passage. Their fate could even hinge on results in parallel matches within their group.

Guardiola has repeatedly stressed the importance of taking each match as a final. This mindset could serve City well in a condensed tournament like this, where knockout football comes fast and early. Every moment matters, and mental readiness is just as critical as tactical preparation.

Key players such as Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and Erling Haaland will likely be called upon to lead by example. Their performances in high-pressure environments could tip the scales in City’s favor. Meanwhile, youth prospects or bench players might have the chance to step up and prove themselves on the world stage.

One major factor in City’s favor is their squad depth. With quality options in every position, they can rotate without significant drops in quality. This advantage becomes particularly important in a tournament where recovery time between matches is limited and the pace is relentless.

Set pieces, defensive stability, and clinical finishing will all be under scrutiny. Club World Cup matches often hinge on fine margins. Teams from other continents may not match City’s technical skill, but they can be resilient, disciplined, and highly motivated. City must break down compact defenses while guarding against swift counterattacks.

Supporters and analysts alike are watching closely to see how City adapts to the different officiating standards and playing conditions present in the Club World Cup. These external variables can influence flow and rhythm, potentially impacting how quickly the team can assert dominance in matches.

The broader significance of reaching the knockout stages extends beyond trophies. For Manchester City, success at this level is a marker of global supremacy. It’s an opportunity to establish themselves not just as Europe’s best, but as the undisputed kings of world club football.

Pep Guardiola is no stranger to this competition, having won it with Barcelona and Bayern Munich. His familiarity with the demands of the tournament is a crucial asset. His tactical acumen and ability to make in-game adjustments could prove decisive in pushing City over the line.

City’s opponents in the group stages are not to be underestimated. Clubs from South America, Asia, and Africa bring different philosophies and fierce determination. The underdog spirit in these matchups means that City must approach every game with the same seriousness they would give a Champions League final.

In the event of qualification, the real challenge begins in the knockout rounds. Facing other group winners or historically dominant clubs means the intensity will rise dramatically. Therefore, securing qualification early and topping the group may provide a more favorable path forward.

Manchester City’s players are well aware of the expectations. The pressure of representing not just their club but European football as a whole is enormous. Yet, with pressure comes opportunity—the chance to add another prestigious title to their growing collection.

For City fans, watching their team on the global stage is a moment of pride. It represents how far the club has come, from domestic contenders to international powerhouses. Each step toward the knockout rounds is a step closer to making history once again.

Ultimately, what Manchester City need to do is stay focused, win convincingly, and manage the unique demands of this competition with the professionalism and flair that have defined their era of dominance. The path to the Club World Cup knockout stage is within reach—they just need to take it one precise, powerful step at a time.