Barcelona’s 2025/26 away kit is expected to launch in the coming weeks, with a Kobe Bryant-inspired Mamba collection set to accompany its release.

Before his untimely death in a helicopter crash in 2020, the Los Angeles Lakers legend had a deep connection with the Catalan club. He not only competed against Barça’s basketball team on numerous occasions but also frequented Camp Nou multiple times and participated in a charity soccer game there in 2011.

Now, five years on, Barça appear set to honour one of their most high-profile fans with a kit inspired by his legacy.

Photos shared by memorabilia1899 display the away jersey in a striking and sophisticated blend of gold, violet, and black, reminiscent of the colors Kobe Bryant wore during his iconic career with the Lakers.

A notable element is the black “Sheath” symbol, representing Kobe’s personal insignia, placed on the chest opposite a blacked-out Barça logo, which features a subtle snakeskin texture, a gentle tribute to his “Black Mamba” moniker.

The kit is expected to launch between Monday, July 21 and Saturday, July 26.

And the tribute doesn’t stop there.

Barcelona, Nike, and the Bryant brand are reportedly collaborating on a new sneaker: the Kobe Bryant x FC Barcelona x Nike Air Force 1 Low Protro. As per House of Heat, the shoe features a faux snakeskin leather upper in rich purple – a nod to both Kobe’s Lakers legacy and Barça’s historic away colours.

Mamba branding hits the heel, midsole, and lace tag, tying the shoe directly to the man it honours. The sneaker is tipped to release sometime this autumn.

With a kit and sneaker both steeped in symbolism, Barcelona’s tribute to Kobe Bryant looks set to be one of the most powerful crossovers between football and basketball yet.