Nike’s 2025 Kit Rollout
When Nike unveiled the new uniforms for the Chinese Super League, the buzz was instant. Chinese Super League kits have always been a hot topic, and this year’s package is the most extensive ever – 16 clubs, both home and away versions, plus a few special editions. Even the two teams that just earned promotion, Yunnan Yukun and Dalian Yingbo, got the full Nike treatment, signalling that the sportswear giant isn’t leaving anyone out.
Beijing Guoan’s home shirt leads the pack with a tightly woven pattern that many fans describe as “sophisticated” and “true to the club’s heritage”. The away kit, however, sparked a debate over its collar, which some say looks too bulky for a modern football jersey. Similar collar complaints have appeared across a handful of other kits, showing that Nike’s design team might have pushed a single style a bit too far.
Other big‑name clubs got their share of attention too. Shanghai Shenhua’s new strip sticks to the classic red but adds subtle gradient shading that gives it a fresh twist. Henan FC went bold with a teal‑blue combo that mirrors the province’s lake scenery, while Shandong Taishan kept a traditional white base with gold accents that nod to their trophy cabinet.
To give you the full picture, here’s a quick run‑through of the clubs and the main vibe of each kit:
- Beijing Guoan – intricate home pattern, controversial collar on the away
- Changchun Yatai – muted home design, low‑key collar
- Shanghai Shenhua – classic red with modern shading
- Henan FC – teal‑blue, lake‑inspired gradient
- Chengdu Rongcheng – deep orange with subtle black detailing
- Shandong Taishan – white and gold, heritage feel
- Tianjin Jinmen Tiger – bold black and orange contrast
- Wuhan Three Towns – bright cyan with minimal graphics
- Qingdao Hainiu – sea‑green primary, wave motif
- Qingdao West Coast – navy base with silver striping
- Meizhou Hakka – earthy brown with tribal accents
- Shenzhen Peng City – electric pink and white
- Zhejiang FC – sleek silver with blue highlights
- Yunnan Yukun – forest green, mountain silhouette
- Dalian Yingbo – ocean‑blue with subtle wave lines
Fan and Analyst Reactions
Since the images hit social media, fan forums have been lighting up with mixed opinions. On one hand, many supporters love the way Nike has woven each club’s local identity into the fabric. The Yunnan Yukun kit, for instance, got applause for featuring a faint mountain outline that mirrors the province’s rugged terrain.
On the flip side, the collar designs are a recurring sore point. A few bloggers even compiled a “collar fail” gallery, pointing out that the rounded, oversized collars clash with the sleek lines that modern football shirts usually sport. Some analysts warn that if the collar trend continues, clubs could see a dip in merchandise sales, especially among younger fans who care a lot about street‑wear aesthetics.
Another hot topic is color accuracy. While most clubs stuck close to their traditional palettes, a handful experimented boldly. Shenzhen Peng City’s pink‑white combo divided opinion – some called it “fresh and daring”, while others thought it strayed too far from the club’s historic colors.
Overall, the release reinforces Nike’s deepening partnership with the league. The sportswear giant has secured uniform rights for most top‑flight teams, and this year’s kit drop shows they’re willing to invest heavily in design research. Whether that translates into higher shirt sales remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Chinese football fans will be keeping a close eye on how these designs perform on the pitch – and in the stands.
