As the Lunar New Year approaches, several top European clubs have embraced the festivities with special commemorative kits to mark the occasion. The 2025 celebration, which kicks off on Jan. 29, welcomes the Year of the Snake, bringing unique designs and collaborations to the forefront.
PSG Leads the Way
Paris Saint-Germain took center stage as the only major European team to actually play in their Lunar New Year kit over the weekend. In their clash against Reims at Parc des Princes, PSG showcased a collaborative design with Taiwanese artist and designer Jay Chou and his Phantaci streetwear label.
While the front of their home kit remained unchanged, the back featured Mandarin-script player names, written in a striking “Year of the Snake” typeface. It was a bold and creative nod to the festive theme.
Barcelona’s Pre-Match Twist
Barcelona’s men’s and women’s teams are set to join the celebrations next weekend with special pre-match kits for their matches against Alaves and Levante, respectively. The kits will also feature player names rendered in Chinese, further emphasizing their connection to the Lunar New Year festivities.
Premier League Clubs Join In
Tottenham Hotspur embraced the tradition with a golden serpent design snaking across their pre-match shirts, but the good fortune didn’t extend to the pitch. Spurs fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to Leicester City, marking their fourth consecutive league loss.
Meanwhile, Chelsea warmed up at the Etihad in a black-and-gold scaly design, but their opponents, Manchester City, opted out of a new kit this year. Instead, City hosted an elaborate pre-match show featuring martial arts performances and a traditional dragon dance.
Missed Opportunities
Manchester United, known for past Lunar New Year kits, opted for a low-profile release this time. Their design, released quietly in December, lacked flair and wasn’t even worn during their 1-0 win at Fulham.
Championship Highlights
Surprisingly, Sheffield United stole some of the spotlight with a Lunar New Year kit so extravagant it bordered on overwhelming. Featuring intricate snake motifs, the design received mixed reactions, with some calling it an artistic tribute and others finding it almost hypnotic—perhaps too much for a football pitch.
While the level of participation has dwindled compared to previous years, clubs across Europe continue to embrace Lunar New Year celebrations in their own creative ways, blending football with culture and tradition.