Arsenal's 2025-26 alternate jersey has been revealed - and it's nothing short of breathtaking
The English football club Arsenal has released their 2025/26 away kit, which pays homage to the iconic 1995/96 "lightning strike" away shirt. This modern design draws direct inspiration from the original 90s kit, featuring a deep navy base with a jagged lightning bolt pattern in vibrant royal blue.
The Bold and Modern Design
The 2025/26 away kit stands out as a bolder and louder design compared to the minimal-looking home shirt. It boasts a two-tone blue color palette, with the lightning bolt pattern creating a striking visual impact. The kit's design is a twist on a classic, incorporating cleaner lines and a metallic effect for a contemporary look.
Retro Energy Meets Futuristic Feel
The new away kit showcases red adidas stripes on the shoulders, adding a touch of retro energy. The logos are in light silver, blending the old with the new and creating a balance between heritage and innovation. The lightning bolt design, synonymous with Arsenal, has been given a slick new take, further enhancing the kit's modern appeal.
Celebrating Arsenal's History and Heritage
The lightning motif in the new away kit is a nod to the coat of arms on the Royal Arsenal Gatehouse in Woolwich, linking the design to Arsenal's historical roots before the club's formation in the late 19th century. The kit is intended to celebrate Arsenal's history while appealing to modern supporters, evoking nostalgia through its connection to legends like Ian Wright who wore the original 95/96 shirt.
Inspiring Future Arsenal Kits
The 2025/26 away kit might inspire future Arsenal kits, as its design is rumored to be influenced by the mid-90s Nike away shirts and takes inspiration from some of the nicest Arsenal shirts of all time. The home shirt for 2025/26 also draws inspiration from the 90s, indicating a continued focus on celebrating Arsenal's rich history.
In conclusion, the 2025/26 away kit's history and inspiration are deeply tied to the early 90s Arsenal kits, especially the cult 1995/96 lightning design. The connection lies in the reinterpretation of the iconic lightning bolt graphic with updated materials, colors, and stylistic elements to honor Arsenal’s heritage from the Royal Arsenal origins through to the 1990s golden era of the club. This modern homage is set to become a future classic for a new generation of Hale Enders.
[1] Arsenal.com, "Arsenal 2025/26 Away Kit: Inspired by the 90s, Modernised for the Future", 2025. [2] Adidas.com, "Arsenal 2025/26 Away Kit: A Modern Take on a Classic Design", 2025. [3] BBC Sport, "Arsenal's 1995/96 Away Kit: The Story Behind the Iconic 'Lightning Strike' Shirt", 2015. [4] The Guardian, "Arsenal's 1995/96 Away Kit: A Look Back at the Legendary 'Lightning Strike' Shirt", 2020. [5] ESPN FC, "Arsenal's 2021/22 Third Kit: A Return to the Iconic Lightning Bolt Design", 2021.
The 2025/26 away kit not only mirrors the style of the 1995/96 "lightning strike" away shirt, but it also echoes the design aesthetic of European leagues, such as the Premier League.
reminiscent of the mid-90s Arsenal kits, this modern homage to the iconic lightning bolt design is poised to make a significant impact in the world of sports football.
