Manchester City unveiled their 2025/26 third kit on August 14, 2025, in collaboration with PUMA. The kit, themed “Rain or Shine,” draws direct inspiration from Manchester’s notorious weather conditions and has quickly become one of the most talked-about releases in recent football history.
The design features a steel grey base adorned with an all-over raindrop graphic, complemented by vibrant neon green accents across the neck, shoulders, and side panels. PUMA and the club have positioned this as a celebration of Manchester’s identity, though fan reactions have been decidedly mixed since the official launch.
The kit became available immediately following the announcement through the official Manchester City shop, PUMA stores, and select retailers worldwide, with member discounts applied at point of purchase.
Man City Third Kit 25/26
The 2025/26 third kit represents Manchester City’s alternative option for the current season, separate from their traditional sky blue home kit and darker away colours. PUMA’s design team incorporated several distinctive elements intended to capture the essence of living in Manchester.
Design Highlights
The most striking feature of the kit is its steel grey base layer featuring a comprehensive raindrop pattern that covers both the jersey and shorts. This all-over graphic approach represents a departure from more traditional third kit designs seen in previous seasons.
Neon green accents provide dramatic visual contrast across several key areas. These appear along the collar, across the shoulders, and along the side panels, creating a bold visual identity that PUMA describes as reflecting the vibrancy of the city even in challenging weather conditions.
The club crest features a transparent water-droplet finish, creating the appearance of condensation on glass. This effect extends to the PUMA cat logo, which incorporates a green-to-blue gradient that mimics the iridescent quality of water.
Available Versions
PUMA offers the third kit in two distinct versions catering to different user needs. The Authentic Jersey represents the top-tier option, manufactured using PUMA’s ULTRAWEAVE fabric technology specifically engineered to reduce weight and minimize friction during high-intensity performance.
The Replica Jersey maintains the same visual design but incorporates a more relaxed fit, making it suitable for match-day wear and casual use. Both versions include PUMA’s dryCELL sweat-wicking technology to help manage moisture during physical activity.
Environmental considerations have also influenced the production process, with both versions manufactured using 100% recycled materials, excluding trims and decorative elements.
Key Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Season | 2025/26 |
| Manufacturer | PUMA |
| Theme | Rain or Shine |
| Primary Colour | Steel Grey |
| Accent Colour | Neon Green |
| Where to Buy | Official Shop, Official Stores |
Man City Third Kit 24/25
The 2024/25 third kit served as Manchester City’s alternative option for the previous season. While specific details regarding that season’s design are not covered in current available sources, the club maintains a consistent release cycle for third kits, typically introducing new designs annually as part of their partnership with PUMA.
Fans seeking information about previous third kit iterations can typically find archived product listings through the official club shop, though these may be removed once new seasons commence. The evolution of third kit designs reflects broader trends in football apparel, with clubs increasingly using alternate kits to make bold stylistic statements.
Collector Interest
Previous season third kits often maintain value among collectors and enthusiasts following new releases. The 2024/25 version would have represented the penultimate design in Manchester City’s recent third kit history before the current 2025/26 offering.
Manchester City has released third kits in multiple recent seasons, with designs varying from subtle approaches to more bold statements. The 2025/26 “Rain or Shine” kit represents one of the club’s most distinctive third kit offerings to date.
Man City Third Kit 23/24
The 2023/24 third kit preceded the current season’s release and would have served as Manchester City’s alternative option two seasons prior. Detailed specifications and design elements for that season’s third kit are not included in current available sources.
Historical kit releases typically remain available for a limited period following the launch of subsequent season kits. Manchester City fans interested in acquiring older third kits may find remaining stock through third-party retailers or the club’s official sale periods.
Design Evolution
The progression from 2023/24 through to the current 2025/26 third kit demonstrates how Manchester City and PUMA have approached the third kit category differently with each release. While home and away kits typically maintain more traditional colour schemes, third kits have increasingly served as vehicles for creative expression and unique marketing angles.
This evolution reflects broader industry trends where clubs use alternate kits to tell stories about their city, heritage, or partnership commitments. The “Rain or Shine” theme represents a direct tribute to Manchester’s geographic and cultural identity.
Timeline of Releases
Manchester City has maintained a third kit release cycle as part of their annual kit launches, with each new design generating varying levels of fan response. The following timeline outlines recent third kit releases based on available information.
- 14 August 2025 – 2025/26 Third Kit Launch (Rain or Shine theme)
- Previous Season – 2024/25 Third Kit available
- Earlier Season – 2023/24 Third Kit released
The August launch date for the 2025/26 kit aligns with Manchester City’s typical pre-season release schedule, allowing fans to purchase before the new season commences.
Confirmed Information and Gaps
Several aspects of the 2025/26 third kit have been officially confirmed through club and manufacturer communications, while other details remain less clearly documented.
What We Know
- The kit officially launched on 14 August 2025 as confirmed by both Manchester City and PUMA
- Available through shop.mancity.com, Official Stores, and PUMA directly
- Members and Season Ticket holders receive 10% discount
- Features steel grey base with raindrop graphic and neon green accents
- Available in Authentic and Replica versions
- Incorporates dryCELL technology and recycled materials
What Remains Unclear
- Specific junior and children’s sizing availability details
- Exact production numbers or limited edition claims
- First match-worn appearance date and opponent
- Future restocking schedules following initial sell-through
Availability may vary by region and retailer. Official channels offer verified authentic products with member discounts applied automatically at checkout.
Fan and Media Reception
The 2025/26 third kit has generated considerable debate since its unveiling. Coverage across major sports outlets has highlighted the polarizing nature of the design, with reactions spanning enthusiastic approval to strong criticism.
ESPN’s coverage described the kit as “rain-soaked” and noted comparisons to some of football’s more controversial shirt designs from previous decades. Supporters who appreciate the design view it as a clever, characterful tribute to Manchester’s weather patterns, while detractors consider it among the least successful third kit efforts in recent memory.
The “Rain or Shine” messaging appears throughout official communications, with the club positioning the kit as a source of pride regardless of weather conditions. PUMA’s press materials emphasized the connection between Manchester’s climate and the club’s resilience, suggesting the design reflects broader values associated with the city and its football team.
Official Statements and Sources
Show your City pride, rain or shine.
– Official Manchester City Shop
Rain or shine: City and PUMA launch 2025/26 Third kit.
– mancity.com
Both official club channels and PUMA’s corporate communications have maintained consistent messaging around the “Rain or Shine” theme, emphasizing the celebration of Manchester’s identity through the kit’s design language.
Where to Purchase
The 2025/26 third kit is available through several official channels. The primary purchase options include the official Manchester City online shop, physical Manchester City Official Stores, and PUMA’s website and retail partners.
For supporters interested in related content, the club has published launch videos and additional imagery through their official website and social media channels. These resources allow potential buyers to examine design details before making a purchase decision.
Those seeking broader Manchester City content may find value in exploring the Leyton Orient vs Man City Stats – Complete Head-to-Head Guide for additional club information, or reviewing the EA Sports FC 26 – Release Date, Price and Download Guide for related gaming content.
FAQ
Is the third kit suitable for playing football?
The Authentic version uses ULTRAWEAVE fabric designed for elite performance with reduced weight and friction. The Replica version offers the same design with a more relaxed fit suitable for general wear.
What is the main colour of the 2025/26 third kit?
The kit features a steel grey base with an all-over raindrop graphic pattern and neon green accents across the collar, shoulders, and side panels.
How much does the third kit cost?
Pricing varies by version (Authentic vs Replica) and retailer. Official channels offer member discounts for registered supporters and Season Ticket holders.
When was the 2025/26 third kit released?
The kit was officially unveiled and became available on 14 August 2025 through Manchester City and PUMA official channels.
What is the theme of the Manchester City third kit?
The kit is themed “Rain or Shine,” drawing direct inspiration from Manchester’s famous weather conditions as a celebration of the city’s identity.
Are junior sizes available?
The kit is available in multiple variants including options for different age groups. Specific junior sizing details should be confirmed through official retail channels.
Amelia Ward is Managing Editor at PlaylisterUK.co.uk, running the daily news list, the publishing schedule and the music submissions workflow.