FC Barcelona is set to make a striking statement when they take to the pitch against FC Seoul, debuting a distinctive new away kit that symbolizes a groundbreaking collaboration between the La Liga giants and the personal sportswear brand of the late NBA icon, Kobe Bryant. This unprecedented partnership extends beyond mere apparel, representing a profound connection between one of football’s most celebrated clubs and a basketball legend whose influence transcends sports.
Fans will immediately notice the unique design elements of the strip, which prominently features Kobe Bryant’s iconic “Sheath” logo replacing the traditional Nike swoosh on the right side of the players’ chests. Further honoring his illustrious career with the Los Angeles Lakers, the kit boasts a striking gold and purple detailing, colors synonymous with Bryant’s legendary tenure. The fabric itself is meticulously crafted with a subtle snakeskin texture, a direct nod to his formidable “Black Mamba” moniker, embodying his fierce competitive spirit.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time Bryant’s brand, renowned for its high-performance basketball footwear, has joined forces with a football team. This innovative venture comes on the heels of Barcelona’s extended partnership with Nike, a deal secured in December that solidifies their long-term association. The agreement with the Kobe brand is slated to continue through the 2027-28 season, promising a sustained tribute to his enduring legacy.
Sources within Barcelona, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the discussions, underscore the profound emotional significance of this collaboration, citing Bryant’s deep-rooted connection to the club. Between 2006 and 2015, Bryant frequented the Barca squad, visiting four times across Spain and during their pre-season tours in the United States, fostering genuine friendships with football luminaries.
Bryant’s admiration for Barcelona was well-documented, notably his strong bond with Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi, whom he met through the Brazilian during a club summer trip. This connection was further cemented by his close friendship with Barcelona native Pau Gasol, with whom he won his final two NBA championships. Gasol even penned the foreword for Bryant’s seminal book, “The Mamba Mentality: How I Play,” highlighting their mutual respect and shared ethos.
The bond between Bryant and Barcelona extended to the court as well, as evidenced by a memorable pre-season game in 2010 where Barca’s basketball team, featuring a young Ricky Rubio, triumphed over the Lakers, then led by Bryant and Gasol. This historic matchup further solidified the unique cross-sport relationship that would continue to grow over the years.
Following Bryant’s tragic passing, the global outpouring of grief saw Barcelona footballers holding a minute’s silence during training, while fellow Spanish clubs Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid paid their respects before a derby fixture. Neymar, a fervent NBA fan and former Barcelona forward, offered a poignant tribute by holding up 2 and 4 fingers, symbolizing Bryant’s iconic No. 24 jersey, after scoring for Paris Saint-Germain.
The club’s ties to the NBA extend beyond Bryant, with Barcelona having produced notable basketball talents. Pau Gasol and his younger brother Marc, an NBA champion himself, are among the club’s most famous youth products. Additionally, Jabari Parker, a high NBA draft pick, recently played for Barca for two seasons, further cementing the club’s multifaceted connection to the basketball world.
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