Man City tap into new kit with PUMA & EA SPORTS
Manchester City have teamed up with PUMA and EA SPORTS FC to launch a special-edition kit featuring an interactive Near Field Communication (NFC) chip.
The new fourth kit’s crest contains a custom NFC chip, which allows fans to tap their smartphones on it to unlock exclusive digital content in the upcoming EA SPORTS FC 26 video game, alongside other digital rewards.
The design features a dark forest green base with turquoise and metallic triangular graphics, nodding to EA SPORTS FC’s branding. The kit will be worn by the men’s first team in select UEFA Champions League away matches, debuting against Villareal. The women’s team will also wear the kit in select domestic fixtures throughout the season.
Fans who purchase the shirt can register via the crest during two exclusive windows to access in-game rewards, including the kit in Football Ultimate Team (FUT), custom items, and loan player picks.
Marco Mueller, PUMA’s Senior Director of Product Line Management Performance Apparel, said, “This collaboration sets a new standard for innovation in kit design – uniting the physical, the digital, and the emotional. The project began in December 2023, when all three brands joined forces to co-design a kit that with the intention to blur the lines between play in the digital game and the real pitch. The result is a unique product that really pushes the boundaries of kit design.”
Man City Esports player and ePremier League 2020/21 winner Shaun ‘Shellzz’ Springette, commented, “It’s amazing to see the worlds of City and EA SPORTS FC come together for such a unique kit collab. As someone who loves football and gaming, the interactive chip is such a cool way to connect with the club through both passions and it’s really exciting that fans will also be able to unlock exclusive in-game rewards. I can’t wait to see this shirt in the game and on the pitch!”
James Taylor, Director of Football Partnerships at EA SPORTS FC, said, “Football shirts have always been symbols of pride and connection and we’re proud to bring that spirit into EA SPORTS FC 26 in collaboration with Manchester City and PUMA. Blending tradition with innovation, the new kit comes to life both physically and virtually, giving fans new ways to connect with their club.”
