São Paulo 2026 Kit: New Jersey Design Faces Club Dispute
- The unveiling of São Paulo’s new first-choice kit for the 2026 season has reportedly been delayed following a dispute over its design, sources have confirmed.
- According to multiple sources within the club, board members have expressed reservations about the placement of the São Paulo crest in relation to the iconic horizontal stripes that...
- The controversy stems from a leaked image of the kit that circulated on social media on Monday, February 9th.
The unveiling of São Paulo’s new first-choice kit for the season has reportedly been delayed following a dispute over its design, sources have confirmed. What was scheduled to be an official presentation on , has now been pushed back to , as club officials raise concerns that the jersey may violate the club’s own statutes.
According to multiple sources within the club, board members have expressed reservations about the placement of the São Paulo crest in relation to the iconic horizontal stripes that define the team’s traditional home uniform. The club’s regulations, specifically Article 157, stipulate that the crest must be positioned over the stripes. However, the design produced by kit manufacturer New Balance appears to have the crest “breaking” or “interrupting” the stripes, creating an outline effect.
The controversy stems from a leaked image of the kit that circulated on social media on . The image, shared widely by São Paulo supporters and football kit enthusiasts, quickly ignited debate about whether the new design adhered to the club’s established aesthetic principles.
E aí, galera! Notas pra essa camisa do São Paulo que vazaram nas redes sociais? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/9SWnWpN80C
— Doentes por Futebol ⚽ (@DoentesPFutebol) February 10, 2026
The concerns have reportedly been brought to the attention of club president Harry Massis Jr., initiating a review of the design before its official release. While the situation is ongoing, the delay underscores the importance placed on maintaining the club’s identity and adhering to its historical standards.
It’s worth noting that the design and production process for kits typically occurs months in advance to ensure timely distribution. This means the approval for the kit was initially given during the previous administration, under former president Julio Casares. The current dispute, represents a clash between the creative direction of New Balance and the traditional expectations of key figures within the São Paulo hierarchy.
The situation highlights the delicate balance clubs often face when partnering with sportswear brands. While innovation and modern design are desirable, maintaining a connection to the club’s heritage and satisfying the expectations of its passionate fanbase are equally crucial. The leaked images reveal a gradient effect in the New Balance logo, a modern touch, but it’s the alteration to the classic stripe and crest arrangement that has sparked the most significant backlash.
The delay in the launch also comes at a sensitive time for São Paulo. The club is currently navigating internal turmoil stemming from scandals involving President Julio Casares, who is facing a potential impeachment vote on . Club officials reportedly considered postponing the kit launch altogether, fearing that a marketing event would be inappropriate given the ongoing political instability. The decision to delay the presentation, rather than cancel it entirely, suggests a desire to salvage the launch and capitalize on the anticipated demand for the new jersey, but only after addressing the design concerns.
New Balance recently extended its contract with São Paulo through , signaling a long-term commitment to the club. The agreement, which was initially slated for announcement earlier in the year, was also reportedly postponed due to the aforementioned scandals. This latest controversy surrounding the kit launch adds another layer of complexity to the relationship between the club and its kit supplier.
The situation raises questions about the approval process for kit designs and the level of input club officials have in the final product. While New Balance is responsible for the creative direction, the ultimate decision on whether a kit complies with the club’s statutes rests with São Paulo’s leadership. The coming days will be critical as the club seeks to resolve the dispute and determine whether the kit will be released as is, modified to meet the statutory requirements, or potentially scrapped altogether.