Where Newcastle United feature on ESPN’s ranking of all released kits following third strip launch
Newcastle United Launch Third Kit with Star-Studded Promo as ESPN Ranks It Top of the Early Charts
Newcastle United officially released their much-anticipated third kit on Tuesday, July 1st, marking the occasion with a high-quality promotional video that featured local music legend Sam Fender alongside a mix of current and former Magpies players. The stylish unveiling has already created quite a buzz among the fanbase, even if some of the finer moments in the video flew under the radar on first watch.
One particular highlight—easily missed without a second viewing—was defender Dan Burn cheekily dropping the now-iconic line, “How’s the bacon, did you say?” in a playful nod to former manager Steve Bruce. It was a subtle but humorous touch that fans familiar with Newcastle’s recent history were quick to appreciate.
So far, the reaction to Newcastle’s kits for the 2025/26 season has been mostly positive. Adidas, now in its first season back as the club’s kit manufacturer, has launched two out of the three expected kits—home and third—and both have been received warmly by supporters. The striking third kit, which blends navy, orange, and green hues, has made a particularly strong impression, even if the initial fan response was somewhat reserved before the Fender-led promo brought it to life.
However, anticipation for the upcoming away kit hasn’t been met with the same level of enthusiasm. A leaked image showing a green and white design has caused a stir online, dividing opinion across social media platforms and message boards. In a fan poll gauging early reactions, only 10% of participants expressed outright approval of the design, while the majority fell into the “we’ve had worse” camp—an underwhelming endorsement that reflects a sense of disappointment rather than outrage.
Despite the mixed feelings over the away shirt, there’s good news for the Magpies on the fashion front. ESPN, currently ranking new kit releases as they are revealed by clubs across Europe, has placed Newcastle’s third kit at the very top of their standings. While the rankings are still developing—only 13 kits have been reviewed so far—this is a promising early sign that Adidas and Newcastle have struck the right chord with their new look. Even the home shirt, a modern twist on the club’s traditional black-and-white stripes, secured a solid third-place position in ESPN’s list, with only Everton’s new Castore home strip separating the two Toon entries.
Tottenham Hotspur, by contrast, find themselves at the bottom of the table with their minimalist white and blue home shirt, which many feel lacks imagination or flair—particularly in a season where innovation is expected.
As for Newcastle’s green and white away shirt, it remains to be seen how it will fare in the final ESPN rankings once it’s officially unveiled. Considering that ESPN placed Everton’s relatively plain home kit in second place, there’s still a realistic chance that the Magpies’ away effort could surprise fans and finish strong—especially if seen in action on the pitch.
It’s worth noting that 2025/26 will be a season of visual transition for several clubs, with stadium changes, new kit deals, and broader commercial partnerships coming into play. For Newcastle United, the return of Adidas has so far brought a renewed sense of identity and pride, reflected in both fan engagement and critical acclaim.
Will Newcastle’s kits hold onto their place at the top as more clubs reveal their designs throughout the summer? Only time will tell. But for now, the Magpies can take a well-earned victory lap in the fashion stakes.