On Thursday July 18, Arsenal released their away kit for 2024-25, a striking African-inspired design that features a zig-zag graphic.
The shirt features a black base, while the design represents the movement and flow of people and celebrates a pattern commonly found in African designs, artefacts, and decorations.
According to Goal, throughout the zig-zag pattern are small specs of black, which represent Cowrie shells, an early form of currency in parts of Africa.
Additionally, the traditional pan-African colours of red and green also figure prominently across the collar and stripes which run down the shoulders as well as in the famous cannon crest.
In a video, Robbie Lyle of AFTV said the new kit celebrates Arsenal’s connection to its supporters in Africa.
“The colours on the shirt which are sort of Kenyan colours… There is a reason behind this, this shirt pays homage to Arsenal’s fans of African descent
“It is recognizing that Arsenal has a huge fanbase in Africa and it has had a lot of African players over the years,” Robbie said in a video.
The kit is a collaboration with Adidas and British African heritage brand Labrum London.
Arsenal also put out a statement on their website saying;
“We’re celebrating our connection to our African supporters via inspiration from the continent’s design traditions. Featuring the traditional pan-African colours of black, red and green, this shirt is punctuated with a striking white zig-zag graphic designed by Labrum London founder Foday Dumbuya
“These colours and cultural cues bind together to create a mural of our past and present connection to the African diaspora in London and beyond – championing the rich cultural heritage within the team and across our supporter base.”
This is the second black-away shirt Arsenal has released in the last three years.