Manchester City is commemorating the 25th anniversary of their incredible play-off final comeback in 1999 with the release of their new away uniform for the 2024–25 campaign.
Some have said that match marked a turning point in Man City’s history. Former striker Paul Dickov tied the score in injury time in the fifth minute, helping his team rally from a 2-0 deficit against Gillingham to force extra time and penalties.
Joe Royle’s team, wearing a striking fluorescent yellow, black, and blue striped uniform, helped City win the shootout 3-1 and secure their promotion to the First Division.
After finishing second in the First Division behind Charlton Athletic, City went on to secure back-to-back promotions, ensuring their five-year absence from the top tier of English football.
This season’s away uniform from City pays homage to their legendary Wembley comeback by repurposing the famous design of the striking away shirt they wore in 1998–1999 and adding a contemporary touch.
Former Man City striker Paul Dickov has unveiled the club’s new away jersey for next season
City will pay homage to their 1999 play-off final winning side through the shirt’s classic design
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In the championship match versus Gillingham, Dickov scored an equaliser in the 95th minute to force extra time.
The sportswear company PUMA created the garment, which the team showed on Thursday on Instagram. City shared a photo of 51-year-old Dickov wearing the jersey along with the remark, “Nostalgia hit.”
The 1999 City play-off final heroics will be honoured by the shirt, which is also made with sustainability in mind. The RE:FIBRE initiative, which uses recycled textile waste to help produce new materials, will be used to make the replica jerseys.
Dickov went on to score 37 goals in 188 games for Man City and has been serving as a club ambassador recently. In a statement posted on Man City’s website, he discussed the release of the new uniform, saying, “It’s fantastic to see this year’s away kit revealed today.”
“The triumph in the 1999 Play-Off final is still a memorable occasion for me and City supporters worldwide, and I am aware that the uniform from that day is still cherished by those who were present and those who are not.”
Laia Aleixandri and several other starsof the club were pictured modelling the new away kit
After their play off final heroics, City would go on to secure promotion back to the Premier League the following season
Dickov praised the Club and PUMA for their amazing gesture of commemorating the anniversary with this year’s away uniform.
“The Club and PUMA’s commemorative away kit for this year’s anniversary is a wonderful gesture.”
“This kit symbolises a defining moment in Manchester City’s history and the relentless spirit of its fans,” said Marco Mueller, senior head of PUMA’s Product Line Management Teamsport Apparel.
Our intention was to design a jersey that would satisfy the demands of modern sportsmen and fans while paying tribute to the history of the sport.
“We’re honoured to revive a design with such historical significance while maintaining a sustainable approach.”
A number of the team’s current players, including Jess Park, Mateo Kovacic, Laia Aleixandri, Kevin De Bruyne, and Erling Haaland, joined Dickov. The players were also shown modelling the uniform.
Khiara Keating and Ederson, two goalkeepers for Man City, also flaunted the bright orange goalkeeper uniform.
The shirt is also said to be made from sustainable materials using PUMA’s RE:FIBRE initiative
Additionally, Ederson was shown posing in the bright orange custodian strip.
On Sunday, August 18, the Premier League champions will visit Stamford Bridge to play Chelsea in the start of their league title defence.
They play Manchester United in the FA Community Shield this Saturday, their city rivals, before then.