Barcelona have officially lifted the curtain on their striking new away kit for the 2025–26 campaign, a heartfelt homage to the late NBA icon and passionate Barça fan, Kobe Bryant.
The legendary five-time NBA champion, who made his mark with the Los Angeles Lakers, was more than just a basketball hero. A longtime admirer of the Catalan giants, Bryant was often seen mingling with Barça stars and became an unmistakable part of the club's wider culture before his untimely passing in 2020.
Carrying forward his legacy and the ethos of the "Mamba Mentality," Barcelona and Nike have teamed up to unveil a kit that is both bold and meaningful. The design features a gold base with purple detailing, echoing the iconic Lakers colors that defined Bryant's illustrious career. But the most eye-catching element? Instead of the classic Nike swoosh, the jersey proudly displays the "Kobe Sheath"—a symbol from Bryant's personal brand.
"The sword is the naked talent, while the sheath is the shell of it, the effort we put in, our life experience," Bryant once said.
Adding a unique flair, the jersey is detailed with a snakeskin texture, also woven into the Barcelona crest, an unmistakable nod to Bryant’s legendary nickname, the Black Mamba.
This launch marks the beginning of a three-year collaboration between Barca and the Bryant brand. In addition to the away kit, the partnership includes a pre-match shirt, a basketball uniform, and a limited-edition Barça x Kobe sneaker drop, alongside a wide range of accessories. The accompanying 25–26 away shorts come in black with ‘Iron Grey’ accents, the Kobe Bryant logo, the club crest, and purple side panels. The full Mamba Collection will blend performance and lifestyle, featuring exclusive gear ranging from training kits and sweatpants to jackets and caps.
Billed as Barcelona's most significant collaboration to date, this initiative aims not only to honor Bryant's enduring influence but also to strengthen the club’s brand presence on the global stage.
Fans can catch the kit in action on Thursday, July 31, when Hansi Flick's side faces FC Seoul in a preseason clash in South Korea. The Nike Barcelona 25–26 away shirt becomes available to the public starting July 29, 2025.