Barcelona release 2023/24 away kit – their first white shirt in over 40 years

La Liga giants FC Barcelona have officially unveiled their 2023/24 away kit – featuring a stunning return to white for the first time in decades.

After paying tribute to their city’s history with their 1992 Olympics-inspired alternate shirt in 2022/23, Barca have delved into the club’s past for 2023/24.

This brilliant white kit is another element of Blaugrana’s “Here to lead the way” campaign. Per the club website, this idea is “a reminder of the foundations that make Barca such a unique institution around the world, i.e. to lead the way in everything we do.”

In other words, Barca’s history is based on striving to be the best in all aspects.

But what does the shirt actually look like?

Ready to play ????
Ready to win ???? pic.twitter.com/8ohC40kP6N

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 26, 2023

The club released the first official images of the kit Wednesday morning which showed a simple, white jersey. Nike has kept this classy base clean and uncluttered, attributing attention to the Barcelona crest and sponsors.

However, blue/red trim on the sleeve cuffs provides a burst of vibrance. The same blue features on the shorts, meanwhile, the socks are red/blue hoops.

Spotify makes a return as a sponsor on the kit, with Ambilight TV also appearing on the men’s shirt sleeves.

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— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 26, 2023

The main contentious point with the shirt is the colour, though. Some Barcelona fans may not like that their 2023/24 away kit is the shade that their rivals, Real Madrid, have made iconic. But the Catalans do have a past of wearing white…

Barcelona 2023/24 away kit: Why return to white?

According to Football Kit Archive, FC Barcelona last used a white kit in 1978/79. Although this colour was a frequent alternate strip for the Spanish club from the 1920s all the way through to the 1970s.

But Barca have brought it back for 2023/24 as a homage to one of their most important figures – Johan Cruyff. The Dutchman played at Camp Nou from 1973-1978, therefore frequently wore their white alternates during this period.

New. Vintage. @JohanCruyff. pic.twitter.com/F3hfTsmreg

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 26, 2023

After his playing career, Cruyff managed Barcelona and is credited with developing their legendary style of football. As a result, the Barcelona 2023/24 away kit taps into their “Here to lead the way” message once more by honouring the man who innovated the club’s playstyle.

Further connections to Cruyff come via the location of the launch. Xavi’s team is currently in Los Angeles on a US Tour. So, they unveiled their new strip here – where the Dutch maestro played for the LA Aztecs in the twilight of his career.

Finally, this new strip also utilises the badge design from 1978 – Cruyff’s last year with the club.

All these fascinating nods to their past combine to make a brilliant new shirt. But will Barcelona fans take to white’s comeback on the 2023/24 away kit? We will have to wait and see.

Featured image credit: FC Barcelona