Man City unveil new away kit in homage to 25th anniversary of epic 1999 play-off final comeback – as Wembley hero Paul Dickov models shirt

Manchester City have unveiled their new away kit for the 2024-25 season as they set to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their sensational comeback in the 1999 play-off final.

Some have credited that game with turning the tide of Manchester City’s fortunes, with former striker Paul Dickov scoring an equaliser in the fifth minute of stoppage time to help his side overturn a 2-0 deficit against Gillingham to send the game into extra time and penalties.

City, sporting a striking striped shirt of fluorescent yellow, black and blue, would go on to win a 3-1 penalty shoot-out, ensuring Joe Royle’s side were promoted to the First Division.

City would secure back-to-back promotions after finishing second in the First Division behind Charlton Athletic and seal their return to the top flight of English football after a five-year hiatus.

In tribute to their iconic comeback at Wembley, City have reinvented the classic design of the striking away shirt they wore during the 1998-99 season for this season’s away shirt and given it a modern twist.

City will pay tribute to their 1999 playoff final-winning side through the classic shirt design.

Dickov scored a 95th-minute equaliser in the final against Gillingham to send the match into extra time.

The shirt, designed by sportswear brand PUMA, was unveiled by the club on Instagram on Thursday, with City posting a photo of Dickov, 51, modelling the shirt, with the caption: “Nostalgia has hit.”

While the shirt will be a nod to City’s heroic performance in the 1999 play-off final, it is also designed with sustainability in mind. The replica shirts will be made using the RE:FIBRE initiative, which incorporates recycled textile waste to help create new materials.

Dickov scored 37 goals in 188 appearances for Manchester City and has worked as an ambassador for the club in recent years. Speaking to Manchester City’s website about the launch of the new kit, he said: “It’s fantastic to see this year’s away kit unveiled today.

‘The 1999 play-off final victory remains a special moment for me and City fans around the world and I know the kit from that day is remembered by those who were there and beyond.

Laia Aleixandri and other stars of the club were photographed wearing the new away shirt

Following their heroic play-off final, City would earn promotion to the Premier League the following season.

“It is a wonderful gesture from the Club and PUMA to mark the anniversary with this year’s away shirt,” said Dickov.

‘It is a wonderful gesture on the part of the Club and PUMA to commemorate the anniversary with this year’s away shirt.’

Marco Mueller, Senior Director of Product Line Management for Sportswear at PUMA, added: ‘This kit symbolises a defining moment in Manchester City’s history and the tireless spirit of its fans.

‘Our goal was to create a jersey that honored the past while utilizing the latest in performance technology to meet the needs of today’s athletes and fans.

“We are proud to bring back a design that is so important and to do so with a sustainable approach.”

Dickov was joined by a number of the club’s current players including Jess Park, Laia Aleixandri, Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne and Mateo Kovacic, who were also pictured modelling the shirt.

Manchester City goalkeepers Khiara Keating and Ederson also wore the bright orange goalkeeper shirt.

The jersey is also said to be made from sustainable materials using PUMA’s RE:FIBRE initiative.

Ederson was also pictured modelling the goalkeeper’s shirt, which comes in a bright orange colour.

The Premier League champions will begin the defence of their league title with a trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on Sunday 18 August.

Before that, they face city rivals Manchester United in the FA Community Shield this Saturday.