PUMA x EA x Man City: Special Edition Kit Breakdown
How a custom NFC chip is unlocking new levels of passion
December 27, 2025
Two years ago, PUMA and Manchester City Football Club joined forces with EA SPORTS FC to set an ambitious goal: to help fans bridge the gap between the digital game and the real-life pitch. The result? This season’s truly unique fourth kit and – embedded within each shirt’s crest – an NFC tag that unlocks exclusive content in EA SPORTS FC™ 26.
Bringing the special edition to life
Marco Mueller is PUMA’s Senior Director of Product Line Management Performance Apparel. He described the collaboration between the three brands as setting“a new standard for innovation in kit design – uniting the physical, the digital, and the emotional… The result is a unique product that really pushes the boundaries.”
The reception on social media and player group chats has been electric. You only have to scroll social media to see fans praising the trailblazing design and calling for it to be considered even higher up City’s kit roster. ESPN described the release as “what could be the future of football gaming”.
So how does it work?
So how does it work?
Connecting the physical and the digital
Against a background of blue, green, and turquoise features leaps a metallic PUMA. To its side, the club crest. Behind the rose of Lancashire is the telltale spiral coil antenna of an NFC tag – and this is where fans can take a step closer to the game.
Think of the NFC tag as a tiny computer. When tapped by your mobile phone, the antenna coil picks up an electromagnetic field, inducing a tiny electric current. This brief source of energy is enough for the chip to transmit its stored data. And in this case, the data reveals a range of exclusive content within EA SPORTS FC™ 26.
Think of the NFC tag as a tiny computer. When tapped by your mobile phone, the antenna coil picks up an electromagnetic field, inducing a tiny electric current. This brief source of energy is enough for the chip to transmit its stored data. And in this case, the data reveals a range of exclusive content within EA SPORTS FC™ 26.
What the special edition kit unlocks
Once registered, the user gains access to a range of in-game rewards. The features span the game:One tap turns a physical jersey into an interactive gateway for exclusive access throughout the season.
“As someone who loves football and gaming, the interactive chip is such a cool way to connect with the Club,” said Manchester City Esports player and ePremier League 2020/21 winner Shaun ‘Shellzz’ Springette.
Styling the kit
As any good fan knows, kit is not only for the changing room. So, how would the players themselves style it for everyday wear?
“Black cargos, black shoes, cute little overthrow… simple but effective. The t-shirt does a lot!” says keeper Khiara Keeting, chatting to Rosalie Ademoroti.
Number 4 Jade Rose, who described the kit as “unique”, delivered her verdict: “As long as you wear neutrals, I think it’s easy to style.”
Defender Codie Thomas paired hers with light-wash boyfriend jeans and black low-profile trainers.
Defender Codie Thomas paired hers with light-wash boyfriend jeans and black low-profile trainers.
The second access window is from 11 November 2025 to 10 January 2026, so get tapping. Will you be joining Manchester City in the fourth kit – either on the streets, or in EA SPORTS FC 26?
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