What is the new third kit?
Athletic Bilbao announced on Thursday, July 23, 2026, its third kit for the 2026‑27 season: a sky‑blue shirt with white lines that echo the panels of San Mamés' roof. The club described it as a tribute to the sky and the athleticzale family, and the garment is already on sale in the official shop.
Why did the club choose this design?
The design breaks with the tradition of dark colours the Athletic has used for its second shirts. According to the statement, the mix of light blue and oblique stripes symbolizes the rojiblanco fan base that, like the sky, follows the team without limits. The reference to San Mamés also aims to strengthen the club’s identity and its bond with supporters.
How have fans reacted?
Since its unveiling, the shirt has sparked mixed reactions on social media. Some supporters praise its originality and the stadium link, while others prefer the club’s traditional hues. On Twitter, the hashtag #ThirdAthletic gathered over 12 000 mentions within the first 24 hours.
What does this mean for the upcoming season?
The third kit arrives just before Edin Terzić’s debut as manager, after the 2‑0 win over River in the latest matchday. With the new shirt, Athletic aims to boost its image and generate extra revenue before the league starts. Early sales already exceed 8 000 units, indicating solid commercial uptake despite divided opinions.
When can fans buy it?
The garment has been available since the day of its presentation, July 23, 2026, both in the official online store and at physical points of sale in Bilbao. The club announced that part of the proceeds will go to social projects linked to the athleticzale community.
