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Nike has initiated a new collaboration that brings two sporting powerhouses together: the mindset of Kobe Bryant and the footballing art of F.C. Barcelona. This partnership introduces the iconic Mamba Mentality to the world of professional football, creating a collection designed to motivate a new wave of athletes. At the heart of this project is a shared belief in constant self-improvement, a value that defined both the basketball legend and the celebrated football club.
The kit’s story in color and texture
For the first time ever, the Kobe Sheath logo will appear on a professional football kit, taking the place of the traditional Nike Swoosh on Barça’s 2025-26 away uniform. The design choices are a direct nod to Kobe’s on-court style. The shirt’s main color is a light Team Gold, which serves as a background for details in Persian Violet and black. The club crest and the Kobe Sheath logo on the shirt are not just printed; they are made with a silicone gloss that has a 3D snakeskin texture, giving the jersey a unique feel.
The design continues onto the shorts, which have a black base covered in a snakeskin-textured pattern, again with Persian Violet accents. Completing the look, the socks feature the Kobe Sheath prominently on the shin and the word “Barça” displayed on the calf. Every part of the kit was created to reflect the dedication central to both Kobe’s legacy and the club’s own identity.
Beyond the pitch: Footwear and apparel
The collection extends past the game-day uniform. Fans and athletes can also get their hands on new footwear that carries the collaboration’s design language. The lineup includes the Kobe x F.C. Barcelona Air Force 1 Protro, the Kobe 4 Protro, and a post-match slide for recovery. In addition to the shoes, a special selection of co-branded lifestyle apparel will be available, allowing the spirit of the partnership to be worn every day.
Capturing the mentality
To launch the collection, Nike created a campaign around the idea that “better is the only choice.” A short film titled Mamba Rondo is the centerpiece, with narration from the men’s first-team coach, Hansi Flick. The film uses the Rondo Drill, a famous part of Barça’s training routine, to show the intense and repetitive work required to achieve greatness. The film features a number of Nike and F.C. Barcelona athletes, including Alejandro Balde, Pablo Gavi, Patricia Guijarro, and Alexia Putellas. The film’s final moment reveals the Kobe Sheath, marking the point where the two worlds of Kobe and Barça come together.
The Kobe x F.C. Barcelona apparel had a global release on July 29, while the footwear had a release on July 31st. Find your favourite piece through Nike.com, the Barça Official Store, and certain Nike retail shops.
