Premier League champions Manchester City have added an exciting twist to their lineup for the 2024-25 season by releasing a unique fourth jersey, the “Definitely City” shirt. This special edition celebrates the 30th anniversary of Oasis’ iconic debut album, “Definitely Maybe.” The collaboration with renowned musician and fervent City supporter, Noel Gallagher, is not merely a marketing gimmick; it reflects the deep cultural link between the club and the Britpop era that shaped modern music in the UK.
The design inspiration for the new kit comes directly from the atmospheric cover art of “Definitely Maybe,” which features London’s original Oasis lineup captured in a relaxed pose at guitarist Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs’ house. The album cover is notable for showcasing an array of personal mementos, including portraits of soccer legends like Rodney Marsh and cultural icons like Burt Bacharach. The incorporation of these elements into the shirt design signifies a thoughtful homage to both the band’s heritage and its relationship with Manchester City.
With washed-out tones of light straw yellow, soft blue-grey, and chalky pink in the shirt’s color palette, the club aims to evoke feelings of nostalgia, striking a chord with fans of both the band and the team. The “halo” around the club’s crest mimics the prominent globe featured in the album art, further weaving together music and football in a vibrant tapestry that celebrates both identities.
The timing of this kit’s launch cleverly coincides with the recent reunion of Oasis, which has generated substantial buzz following a 15-year hiatus. Fans of the band flocked to secure tickets, causing ticket sales to surge and servers to crash. This revival offers a dual benefit: it not only reignites interest in Gallagher’s music but also generates excitement around Manchester City, enhancing the club’s visibility in popular culture.
To promote the “Definitely City” shirt, Manchester City staged a creative photoshoot where players like Éderson, Mateo Kovacic, and Kyle Walker joined Guardiola, who humorously wielded a guitar in homage to Gallagher. This combination of sports and music as a promotional strategy underscores the club’s recognition of the influential role that cultural icons play in their brand.
Merchandising and Future Appearances
Accompanying the kit release, Gallagher also contributed to a clothing line that extends beyond the shirt, featuring stylish items such as tracksuits and bomber jackets. This move not only appeals to the sartorial tastes of fans but also highlights the blending of lifestyle and sport that permeates modern football culture.
Manchester City intends to debut this new kit during their Champions League match against Inter Milan, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the intersection of music and football. The allure of the “Definitely City” jersey lies not just in its aesthetic but in the stories and cultural memory it encapsulates, bridging generations of fans under the banners of both Manchester City and Oasis. In this light, the shirt serves as a potent symbol of loyalty, nostalgia, and a shared community spirit.