Arsenal Stuns Fans with Shocking Kit Choice for Champions League Debut

Arsenal are gearing up for only their third Champions League season under Mikel Arteta's leadership, though the Spanish manager's team already appears seasoned in the tournament.

The Gunners were once regular fixtures at Europe's elite level, but their decline during the final years of Arsène Wenger's era led to an extended Champions League hiatus.

A crushing home loss to Bayern Munich became synonymous with Tony Britten's legendary anthem before an unexpected Premier League title challenge in 2022–23 secured their comeback to the tournament following a six-year absence.

Arsenal have subsequently reached the quarterfinals and semifinals, and few would argue they lack the ability to mount another impressive European campaign in 2025–26 following an ambitious summer recruitment drive. Arteta's squad kicks off their league phase with an away fixture against Athletic Club on Tuesday night, and fans might witness a rather distinctive visual spectacle due to UEFA's stringent kit conflict regulations.

Why Arsenal Are Wearing Unusual Kit for vs. Athletic Club

Arsenal will unveil their fresh navy away uniform in the Basque region at the league phase opener, though they won't be sporting the navy shorts and socks that typically complement it, unlike their preseason match against Newcastle United.

While Athletic Club are again sporting a red and white-striped home jersey, their black shorts and socks have been considered too much of a conflict with Arsenal's navy by UEFA.

Consequently, the Gunners will instead don alternative silver shorts and socks paired with their navy shirt.

This distinctive appearance will be unfamiliar to many, though some may recall Arsenal sporting white shorts and socks with their navy O2 away jersey during their visit to the Stadio Olimpico in November 2002. That evening, Thierry Henry scored a hat-trick in a 3–1 triumph over Roma.