Boston, MA – August 4, 2025 – Today, New Balance and Bayer 04 Leverkusen unveiled the club’s Third Kit for the 2025/26 season, a stunning & vibrant design inspired by Leverkusen’s enduring nickname, “Farbenstadt” - the ‘city of colours.’
The new shirt captures the spirit of Leverkusen’s creative heritage with a bold, radiant shade of Blue Oasis. This eye-catching colour forms the foundation of the kit, paying homage to the city’s reputation for vibrancy and research.
Taking centre stage in the design is an all-over, sublimated graphic print of overlapping crosses in various sizes. These dynamic, intersecting shapes form an abstract interpretation of the iconic Bayer Cross, uniting tradition with contemporary design in a fresh visual statement.
“The Bayer 04 Leverkusen Third kit design combines over 120 years of heritage with bold, modern visuals representing the city today” says Kenny McCallum, Senior Director of New Balance Football Product. “From the bright Blue Oasis colour tone to the design’s eye-catching graphic print, we hope this kit represents a symbol of innovation and pride for everyone connected to the club.”
“Our new Third Kit in Blue Oasis is a meaningful, modern jersey that represents Bayer 04 in style. This kit is more than a piece of fabric – with the cross in its design, it is an expression of our identity in an inspiring city of colours,” says Markus Breglec, Bayer 04 Leverkusen Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer.
The 2025-26 Third Kit marks a new chapter for Bayer 04 Leverkusen, combining cutting-edge New Balance performance technology with a look that celebrates both club and city identity. As with all its 25/26 kits, New Balance has again integrated cutting-edge performance technology into the kit designs. Developed using NB Dry technology, the shirt features advanced moisture-wicking fabrics designed to help keep players cool and dry, both on and off the pitch. Precision detailing, including dimensional heat transfers and breathable side panels, ensures the highest standard in fit and comfort.
The New Balance Bayer 04 Leverkusen Third Kit will be available to purchase from August 4 at 10am CEST at www.newbalance.com and at selected retailers worldwide.
About New Balance Football
New Balance Football takes an original approach to designing and developing product, focusing on the unique needs of the player and the game. This is reflected in the quality of the sponsorships it has secured, including an enviable lineup of some of the world’s great football clubs including FC Porto,
LOSC Lille, Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Atalanta BC, as well as a roster of topflight players who excel at the highest level of the game. For more information about New Balance Football, visit www.newbalance.com/football. New Balance Football can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
About New Balance
New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA, has the following purpose: Independent since 1906, we empower people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. New Balance employs 10,000 associates around the globe, and in 2024 reported worldwide sales of $7.8 billion. New Balance owns five athletic footwear factories in New England and one in Flimby, U.K. New Balance MADE U.S. footwear contains a domestic value of 70% or more and makes up a limited portion of New Balance’s U.S. sales. To learn more about New Balance, please visit www.newbalance.com; for the latest press information visit http://newbalance.newsmarket.com.
Media Contacts
UK: nick.richardson@ketchum.com
USA: Mary.Lawton@newbalance.com
GERMANY: dirk.mesch@bayer04.de