Borussia Dortmund’s new away shirt for the 2025/26 season has sparked fury among fans, prompting the club to acknowledge the backlash and promise to respond.
The kit, which combines a white base with black sleeves and neon yellow details, was first worn in Saturday’s 2-0 Bundesliga victory over Heidenheim.
But instead of excitement, his debut was met with anger in the stands and online. Fans unfurled banners announcing him as “The cruelest shirt in the league” while songs of “We want black and yellow t-shirts” It rang before kick-off, a clear reminder of the club’s traditional colours.
On social media, the reaction was no kinder. Many fans called the design a betrayal of Dortmund’s historic identity, with critics arguing that it looks more like a training shirt than a jersey worthy of the celebrity. Schwarzgelben.
Club bosses have now pledged to listen.
CEO Carsten Cramer took personal responsibility for the fallout, telling reporters: “The criticism has been received and we are addressing it. The responsibility is mine. We will not always be able to please everyone when selecting jerseys.”
Sports director Sebastian Kehl was more measured and reminded fans that opinions on kit design are always divided.
“I think every year we have different opinions about jerseys,” he said. “It will never happen that a Borussia Dortmund shirt has 100 percent approval. Basically, we know what colors represent our city and our club, and that is reflected in the design of almost all the shirts.”
And he added with a touch of humor: “However, there are also people who want something younger, something fresh, something creative. The new shirt gave BVB three points in Heidenheim. A successful shirt, I would say. Everything else is a discussion that we as a club consider normal.”
It remains to be seen if the kit will appear again when Dortmund travel to Mainz on September 27, but if it does, you best believe Dortmund fans will have something to say about it.
