Barcelona’s orange shirt gets unexpected role in 2026-27 kit plans

Barcelona will continue using last season’s orange shirt during the 2026-27 campaign, despite unveiling three new kits, because of concerns over potential colour clashes with opponents.

The decision has surprised supporters, who questioned why the Catalan club would retain an older design after presenting its new collection for the coming season.

According to Spanish newspaper SPORT, Barcelona will keep the orange shirt as an additional option rather than replace it with one of the new strips. The decision is not linked to marketing plans or a preference for the previous design, but instead reflects the club’s approach to selecting the most suitable kit for each match.

Barcelona are concerned that their new home and away options could occasionally clash with the colours worn by their opponents. Keeping the orange shirt gives the club another alternative when the first-choice and newly introduced change kits are not considered suitable.

The shirt has already been used during pre-season, including in matches against Udinese and Basel. Its continued appearance in those fixtures initially provided an indication that it could remain part of Barcelona’s official kit options, although its status for the full season had not been immediately clear.

The club has introduced three new kits for 2026-27. The second strip draws inspiration from the “Mamba” collection associated with the legacy of the late basketball great Kobe Bryant.

That design is dominated by dark purple and black, with gold details providing a distinctive finish. It forms part of the season’s new range and is separate from the retained orange shirt.

Barcelona’s third new kit takes inspiration from the 1996-97 season. It combines shades of green and yellow, while the collar includes details based on the club’s identity.

The design is intended to bring together historical references and a modern appearance, giving the club a further alternative for the new campaign.

As a result, Barcelona will have more than the three kits created specifically for the 2026-27 season. The orange shirt from the previous campaign will remain available as a reserve option, allowing the club to avoid problems when its other strips are too similar in colour to those of an opponent.

What initially appeared to be an unusual decision has therefore been explained as a practical measure. Barcelona’s priority is to ensure it has a suitable kit for every match, even if that means keeping a design from the previous season alongside its new collection.