Every 2025 Adidas x MLS Archive Collection Jersey Ranked: Which Teams Nailed It and Which Missed the Mark
The adidas x MLS Archive Collection returns with 10 additional Major League Soccer teams featured in the lineup.
In the previous year, adidas collaborated with MLS to launch throwback third jerseys for Inter Miami, LA Galaxy, LAFC, Portland Timbers and Sporting Kansas City. The positive reception of this debut prompted an enlarged 2025 collection that celebrates some of the most legendary teams, emblems and aesthetics in the league's heritage.
The latest release encompasses Charlotte FC, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, D.C. United, FC Dallas, Minnesota United, Nashville SC, New England Revolution, San Jose Earthquakes and Seattle Sounders.
Below are Sports Illustrated's evaluations of the fresh collection, ranked from lowest to highest.
10. Charlotte FC
Beginning with the collection's weakest offering: Charlotte FC. The color scheme alone warrants its bottom placement. The combination of what seems to be lime green with lemon yellow creates a dubious outcome that's hard to ignore.
If an intriguing pattern existed to divert attention from the coloring, the jersey might fare better, but instead, there's merely the team name displayed in vintage typography. The crown serves as the shirt's saving grace, providing a fitting homage to the Queen City.
9. Seattle Sounders
Seattle Sounders' third jersey falls short of expectations. The vibrant colors conflict, the design lacks complexity and the overall appearance fails to leave an impression.
While the Orca emblem nicely bridges the jersey to contemporary times, without additional complementary elements, it appears hastily added to the garment. For a franchise with such extensive heritage and memorable uniforms, this vintage attempt falls below standards.
8. FC Dallas
FC Dallas' uniform undoubtedly pays tribute to the organization's heritage. The classic black stallion emblem paired with the team's former identity—Dallas Burn—represents sophisticated, imaginative touches that distinguish the garment.
However, the remainder of the jersey proves somewhat underwhelming. There's minimal commentary beyond the horizontal stripes across the chest, which contribute little to the design. These lines actually compress the team designation, creating readability issues.
7. Colorado Rapids
Colorado Rapids' third uniform lacks energy. The jersey successfully integrates the team's founding colors of green and gold, though the "Colorado" branding is barely visible, nearly disappearing into the fabric.
The mountain graphics provide appropriate state recognition, but the water element might have worked better incorporated within "Rapids" as previously done. The overall aesthetic appears quite basic.
6. Minnesota United
Minnesota United's third kit offers several appealing elements. The blue gradient creates jersey dimension and comfort, while the "Loons" script provides excellent historical reference.
The orange accents, however, seem misplaced. What should represent a harmonious blend of blue and white becomes unnecessarily cluttered with orange highlights, particularly around the collar area.
5. San Jose Earthquakes
Don't allow the lime green backdrop to cloud your judgment of San Jose Earthquakes' third kit. The pattern, incorporating red, green, blue and black elements, represents a daring tribute to one of MLS's charter members.
While the garment treads carefully between unique styling and visual chaos, it captures a '90s aesthetic that perfectly suits the Archive Collection. Additionally, the scorpion's comeback proves irresistible.
4. New England Revolution
New England Revolution's third kit appears transported from another era. From the team's original branding to the prominent '96 displayed on the shirt's front, the uniform represents an entertaining yet elegant Archive Collection addition.
The red, white and blue details also honor the rich New England regional heritage. In many respects, it serves as an ideal Independence Day garment.
3. D.C. United
D.C. United's uniform radiates quality. For veteran supporters, the shirt evokes memories of the team's championship era when they captured MLS Cups in 1996, 1997, 1999 and 2004.
The franchise's signature black stripes create striking contrast against the predominantly white background, while gold detailing provides understated elegance absent from the home uniform. The red emblems might appear incongruous among other refined design elements, but they remain integral to D.C. United's character.
2. Nashville FC
Distinguished from other alternatives, Nashville FC's uniform merges vintage appeal with sleek styling to provide supporters a kit suitable for everyday wear, not exclusively match days. The primarily white shirt offers welcome contrast to Nashville's bright yellow home kit, allowing blue accents to truly stand out.
The typography, however, represents the jersey's highlight. The font honors the team's Honky Tonk heritage and maintains appropriate size to create impact without dominating the shirt's entire front panel.
1. Columbus Crew
Columbus Crew claims our rankings' premier position. The design encompasses everything desirable in a throwback uniform, from the club's original crest to the nostalgic lettering spanning the front.
The kit also features fresh, exclusive details, including a '96
jocktag positioned on the jersey's bottom right. This distinctive element commemorates the club's 30th anniversary, along with its 30th consecutive MLS season.