Historic balls, kits and more - what can we expect from La Liga's 'retro' weekend?

Martin Macdonald

• 9 Apr 2026 05:30 CDT
• 4 min read

News

La Liga's retro matchday takes place this weekend across the top two divisions in Spain.

The plans include every team involved donning a retro kit that historically means something to the club. There will also be special balls and matchday graphics created, while broadcasts and match graphics will also be changed to give them a 1980s or 1990s feel.

“This initiative will take LaLiga and its clubs to another dimension,” Jaime Blanco, director of LaLiga’s club office, said.

“It allows us to connect with older generations, younger fans, and even audiences who may not watch soccer but love the style.”

It is the case that the retro kits will simply be inspired by what came previously rather than having different-to-usual manufacturers involved, due to ongoing sponsorship deals.

Real Madrid have not agreed on the initiative, but there is hope they'll get involved next year. Barcelona, Rayo Vallecano, and Getafe will not wear retro kits due to production and logistics issues, but will take part in the retro feel with match graphics, old-style broadcasting, retro balls etc.

The retro kits were unveiled at Madrid Fashion Week on 19 March.

“We’re very happy, but it has been a real challenge,” Blanco said. “In the U.S., leagues often have a single technical supplier for all teams. We’ve had to coordinate 13 different manufacturers.

“Each club has been responsible for developing its own design. Some are exact replicas, others are inspired by classic kits, and some include details from iconic jerseys.”

Why is La Liga doing this?

Blanco says it is important that clubs recognise and celebrate their history.

"It allows us to bring the past into the present while continuing to build experiences and strengthen the legacy that emotionally connects with supporters," he said.

"Presenting this collection during Spain's leading fashion week is the perfect platform to project that identity beyond the field and position soccer at the heart of the cultural and creative conversation."

Retro kits at the World Cup?

The retro kit idea is nothing new as clubs across the globe have marked significant occasions in their history by wearing a particular kit on special dates.

It was also previously proposed that countries should wear retro kits for the 2030 World Cup as that will mark the 100-year anniversary of the very first World Cup in Uruguay.

The idea came from the president of the South American football federation, Alejandro Domínguez, who said in 2022:

"History cannot be bought with money. Luxury does not make history. I invite you [FIFA president Gianni Infantino] to host a World Cup here, in 2030, to play with the same uniforms [from 1930], to return to the essence. We are ready to host the cup in 2030."

His words came as Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay and Chile bid to host the tournament, but they ended up losing out to Spain, Portugal and Morocco, who will act as joint hosts in 2030.

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