When São Paulo FC rolled out its 2025 home jersey on Monday, February 4, 2025, the football world took a nostalgic breath. The shirt, crafted by New Balance Brasil, isn’t just a uniform – it’s a walking museum piece marking the 20th anniversary of the club’s triumph at the 2005 FIFA Club World Cup in Yokohama.
Why the Kit Matters Beyond the Fabric
The 2005 final was a night Bavarian‑wired with drama: São Paulo seized a 1‑0 win over Liverpool thanks to a goal at the 26‑minute‑and‑3‑second mark – a detail now stitched on the back collar as “26:03”. It’s a tiny number that carries a huge story, and fans instantly recognized it on the field.
Beyond the timestamp, the jersey’s white base stays faithful to the club’s classic look, while the iconic tricolour horizontal stripe across the chest re‑affirms a tradition dating back to 1930. The cuff, collar, and wave‑patterned stitching echo the design of the Estádio do Morumbi, turning the kit into a tribute to both the club’s heritage and the Japanese setting of the historic win.
Design Details Decoded
- Back collar reads “26:03” – the exact minute Carlos Mineiro scored.
- Gold jocktag and New Balance logo in gold on both home and away versions.
- Japanese inscription inside the club shield, paying homage to Yokohama.
- Composition: 97% polyester/3% elastane (front), 96.2% polyester/3.8% elastane (back).
- Embroidered crest maintains the classic São Paulo emblem.
Speaking about the tribute, Carlos Mineiro said, “Seeing that minute on the shirt feels like a time‑capsule. It reminds me and the fans exactly where we were, what we felt – pure euphoria.”
Match‑Day Unveiling
The shirt made its on‑field debut during a Campeonato Paulista clash against Mirassol at the Morumbi. São Paulo rolled to a 4‑1 victory, giving supporters an early glimpse of the commemorative details in action. The atmosphere was electric; chanting fans waved flags bearing both the red‑white‑black tricolour and tiny Japanese characters they’d spotted on the crest.
Pricing and Availability
New Balance rolled out several versions to suit every supporter:
- Standard home jersey – €49.90 (down from €94.90).
- Match‑ready version – €59.90 (down from €119.90).
- Women’s cut – €49.90.
- Kids’ sizes – starting at €39.90.
All versions are stocked at official club stores, partner retailers, and the New Balance online portal. The brand also announced a special grey “Grey Days” shirt for May 2025, extending the anniversary line.
Broader Context: From 2005 to 2025
São Paulo’s 2005 victory still stands as a solitary record: the only Brazilian side to lift the Club World Cup three times. The club’s 2005 win, followed by successes in 1992 and 1993, cemented its status on the global stage. Fast‑forward two decades, the team finished sixth in the 2024 Brasileiro Serie A with 59 points, trailing champions Botafogo RJ by 20 points.
Looking ahead, the 2025 season kicks off on March 29, and the new kit will be the visual banner under which São Paulo hopes to close that points gap. Analysts suggest the commemorative hype could boost merchandise sales by up to 15% compared with the previous season, providing a financial lift as the club readies for a deeper run in both domestic and continental competitions.
Expert Take
Football historian Luiz Fernando notes, “Clubs often use anniversaries to sell nostalgia, but São Paulo’s approach feels authentic. The integration of specific match details, like the 26:03 minute, shows a respect for the fan memory that goes beyond mere branding.”
Meanwhile, sports marketing consultant Ana Ribeiro adds, “The tiered pricing and inclusion of women’s and youth options reflect a smart, inclusive strategy. It’s not just a shirt; it’s a revenue engine anchored in heritage.”
What’s Next for the Tricolor
Beyond the league, São Paulo is eyeing the Copa Sudamericana later this year. Should they replicate the spirit of 2005, the 2025 kit might become a lucky charm in the squad’s locker room.
In any case, the jersey is already sparking conversations on social media, with fans posting side‑by‑side photos of the 2005 squad and the new kit, underlining how sport can stitch together past and present in a single piece of fabric.

Frequently Asked Questions
How does the new home kit honor the 2005 Club World Cup win?
The jersey features the exact minute “26:03” when Carlos Mineiro scored, a gold jocktag, and a Japanese inscription inside the crest, all referencing the 2005 final in Yokohama.
What are the price differences between the standard and match versions?
The standard home jersey sells for €49.90, while the match‑ready version—featuring reinforced stitching and a higher‑quality badge—costs €59.90. Both are discounted from their original 2024 prices.
When will the 2025 Brasileiro Serie A season begin?
The league kicks off on March 29, 2025, with São Paulo set to wear the new kit throughout the campaign.
Are there women's or youth versions of the commemorative jersey?
Yes. Women’s versions are priced at €49.90 and children’s sizes start at €39.90, each mirroring the design details of the men's kit.
What other kits did New Balance release for São Paulo in 2025?
Alongside the home jersey, New Balance launched an away kit adorned with cherry‑blossom motifs and golden stars, plus a special grey “Grey Days” shirt slated for a May release.