Lille unveil midnight-blue third kit as Thato Sibiya prepares to join Mbappe and Giroud

Thato Sibiya’s move to Lille is set to coincide with the unveiling of the French club’s new third kit, with the South African midfielder expected to wear the midnight-blue New Balance design alongside Ethan Mbappe and Olivier Giroud.

Sibiya is the latest South African player to secure a move to Europe and will spend the 2026/27 season on loan at Lille, one of the leading teams in France’s top flight.

The announcement of Sibiya’s arrival is imminent, while Lille have already presented the kit that will form part of their playing strip for the new campaign. The former Amajita player is set to feature in a design dominated by a dark midnight-blue colour, with red and silver details.

Lille remain one of the most prominent clubs in Ligue 1. They were the last team outside Paris Saint-Germain to win the French title, underlining the status of the club Sibiya is joining for the coming season.

His move will also give him the opportunity to share the pitch with Ethan Mbappe, the younger brother of France captain Kylian Mbappe, as well as Giroud, a long-serving Les Bleus star.

The new shirt places a red fleur-de-lis at the centre of the design. The symbol is associated with both Lille Olympique Sporting Club and the city itself, and has been incorporated into several parts of the jersey.

Lille said in a statement: “As night falls, passion awakens. Against a beautiful midnight blue backdrop, a red fleur-de-lis shines brightly, like a Lille star in the sky.

“An iconic symbol of LOSC and the city of Lille, it is elegantly featured on the buttoned neckline, as well as on the sides of the jersey and the center of the crest.

“A silver hue enhances the flocking, further accentuating the unique design of this kit, prized for both its sporty and lifestyle appeal.”

The fleur-de-lis appears on the buttoned neckline, along the sides of the jersey and in the centre of the club crest. Silver detailing is used for the lettering and numbering, adding another contrast to the dark base of the shirt.

Lille described the kit as having both sporting and lifestyle appeal, with the combination of midnight blue, red and silver intended to give it a distinctive appearance.

Sibiya’s arrival will therefore bring together a new South African presence at Lille with two high-profile French football names. The 2026/27 campaign will be his first season on loan at the club, while Lille prepare to compete again among France’s top-flight sides.

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