The Lunar New Year has long been a significant celebration, especially in cultures across Asia. In recent years, several European football clubs have embraced this festivity, crafting bespoke kits to honor the occasion. However, as we approach the Year of the Snake in 2025, the enthusiasm and participation appear to have waned compared to previous years. This article examines how various clubs are engaging with the Lunar New Year and the varying styles and influences represented in their commemorative efforts.
The Resurgence of Commemorative Kits
The tradition of launching special kits for cultural events is not new, particularly in football where branding and global outreach play a pivotal role. This year, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has made headlines by donning a Lunar New Year kit during an actual match against Stade de Reims. The prominent league fixture served as an ideal platform for the club to showcase its partnership with renowned designer Jay Chou. The back of the PSG jersey was creatively altered to incorporate Mandarin characters celebrating the Year of the Snake, forming a bridge between cultures and enhancing the visibility of the Lunar New Year.
Unlike PSG, other clubs are contributing to the celebration but only in pre-match activities rather than during actual games. For instance, FC Barcelona announced that both their men’s and women’s teams would wear custom Lunar New Year kits in their upcoming matches against Alavés and Levante. The decision to include names written in Chinese script not only honors the cultural significance of the event but also emphasizes the increasing globalization of football.
In the English Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur attempted to uplift their spirits with a unique pre-match shirt adorned with the imagery of a golden serpent navigating through Chinese tile patterns. Unfortunately, their on-field performance did not match the festive spirit, as the team faced another disappointing defeat against Leicester City. The connection between special kits and on-field success can be an important aspect of fan sentiment, illustrating that while aesthetic and cultural sentiments are pivotal, they don’t always translate into results.
Chelsea also unveiled a pre-match shirt for their game against Manchester City, echoing the celebratory themes with a scale-patterned design that evokes the imagery associated with the Lunar New Year. However, it is worth noting that Manchester City, who have previously joined in the celebrations with bespoke kits, opted out this year. Instead, they focused on a vibrant pre-match spectacle featuring martial arts performances and traditional dragon dances, showcasing an alternative approach to engagement that enriches fan experience without altering the traditional game attire.
On the flip side, Manchester United’s attempt at honoring the Lunar New Year this season fell flat with a design that many have described as uninspired. The club’s subdued release, devoid of fanfare and lacking in vibrant design, reflects a growing concern around the authenticity of such commemorative efforts. Engaging with cultural celebrations requires a level of passion and creativity that resonates with supporters; otherwise, the efforts risk being dismissed as mere tokenism or commercial ploys.
A notable mention this year is Sheffield United, whose extravagant Lunar New Year kit has drawn polarized opinions among fans and critics alike. The over-the-top design has been characterized as almost overwhelming, challenging the boundaries of aesthetic appreciation in football kits. While it serves as a bold statement acknowledging the Year of the Snake, it also raises questions about the balance between celebration and design sensibility in commercial jerseys.
As we reflect on the various approaches taken by European football clubs in celebration of the Lunar New Year, the overarching theme is one of diversity in expression. Some clubs have embraced the cultural significance wholeheartedly, while others have approached the occasion with a more subdued or even mediocre flair. Football, fundamentally a global sport, serves as a canvas for broader cultural dialogues, allowing clubs to not only engage with their fanbase but also to reflect on the communities they represent and the celebrations they honor. As the Year of the Snake approaches, the question remains: how will clubs balance commercial interests with genuine cultural appreciation moving forward?