Manchester City has unveiled their highly anticipated away kit for the 2024-25 season, and it's already creating a buzz among fans and football enthusiasts alike. This vibrant, neon design is more than just a bold fashion statement; it's a tribute to one of the most iconic moments in the club's history, harking back to the 1998-99 season when City was a far cry from the powerhouse they are today.
The new kit is a near-perfect replica of the fluorescent yellow and navy blue stripes that the team wore during their 1998-99 campaign. While the design may seem like an eye-catching choice to the uninitiated, long-time supporters know that this jersey holds a special place in the hearts of City fans. Back then, City was battling in the third tier of English football, a world away from the dominance they enjoy today under Pep Guardiola and with the backing of Abu Dhabi.
The 1998-99 season is remembered for its drama, particularly the unforgettable Second Division playoff final against Gillingham at Wembley. With City trailing 2-0 as the clock ticked into the 89th minute, it seemed their hopes of promotion were dashed. However, in a legendary comeback, Kevin Horlock scored to give City a lifeline, and then, in the 95th minute, Paul Dickov netted the equaliser, sending the match into extra time and the City fans into euphoria. The game was ultimately decided by a tense penalty shootout, where goalkeeper Nicky Weaver became the hero with a crucial save that secured City’s return to the First Division.
Fast forward 25 years, and Manchester City has transformed into a footballing giant, having just made history by becoming the first team to win four consecutive Premier League titles, along with completing a treble of their own. To celebrate this remarkable journey from underdogs to champions, City has once again embraced the neon and navy kit that symbolized their dramatic rise.
Puma, the manufacturer of the 2024-25 kit, has stayed true to the original design, retaining the vivid colour combination and even the thin sky blue borders between the stripes that were present in the 1998-99 version. The kit's launch was made even more special with Paul Dickov, the hero of that famous Wembley match, modeling the reimagined strip—a fitting tribute to a day that remains etched in City folklore.
This isn't the first time Manchester City has revisited this iconic design. In the 2018-19 season, they marked the 20th anniversary of their playoff triumph with a similar kit, blending nostalgia with modernity. However, the 2024-25 version feels particularly poignant as it celebrates a quarter-century since that pivotal moment in the club's history, and acknowledges the extraordinary transformation City has undergone since then.
For Manchester City fans, this kit is more than just a jersey; it’s a symbol of resilience, a nod to the past, and a celebration of the journey from the depths of English football to the pinnacle of the sport. As the new season approaches, expect to see these neon stripes lighting up the terraces once again, reminding everyone of where City has come from and the incredible heights they have reached.