Manchester City and PUMA 2024 Year of the Dragon kit, was a special edition collection that combined the club’s sporting heritage with the cultural richness of the Lunar New Year. Designed to celebrate the onset of the Year of the Wood Dragon, the collection is both a statement of style for Cityzens and a tribute to two decades of history at the Etihad Stadium. Featuring bespoke artwork, innovative materials, and intricate design elements, the kit represents a seamless fusion of tradition and performance.
Design and Technical Features
At the heart of the collection is the bespoke jersey, crafted in a pale grey palette and adorned with hand-drawn wood-carved illustrations of a dragon twisting across the torso. The spirals of the design mirror the prominent blue turrets outside the Etihad Stadium, a motif previously seen on City’s 2023-24 home kit. Nombres and numbers on the reverse of the shirt are displayed in a custom zodiac-inspired typeface, featuring a stylized “dragon’s tail” flourish, adding a unique cultural touch.
The authentic jersey is constructed using ULTRAWEAVE fabric with a 4-way stretch design, reducing weight and friction to allow players maximum freedom of movement. Integrated dryCELL technology keeps wearers dry by wicking sweat away from the body. The replica version also features dryCELL, ensuring comfort for fans both on and off the pitch. Both jerseys are made from 100% recycled materials, excluding trims and decorations, reflecting a commitment to sustainability.
Completing the capsule are a dragon-inspired track jacket and pants. The jacket, worn by City star Jack Grealish, showcases a large club emblem on the back with the dragon motif swirling through, echoing the aesthetic of the jersey. Metallic accents throughout the collection emphasize the premium quality and celebratory nature of the design.
History and Inspiration
The 2024 kit marks Manchester City’s continuation of the Lunar New Year tradition, following previous celebratory editions such as the 2023 Year of the Rabbit kit modeled by Erling Haaland. The design draws inspiration from centuries of Chinese mythology, with the dragon symbolizing strength, skill, and good fortune—qualities mirrored by Pep Guardiola’s treble-winning squad.
The Year of the Dragon specifically represents the Wood element in the Chinese zodiac, reflected in the custom wood-carved pattern on the shirt. The kit also commemorates the 20th anniversary of Manchester City’s move to the Etihad Stadium, integrating architectural references such as the stadium’s iconic turrets into the graphic design. PUMA and Manchester City’s collaboration pays homage to these symbols of endurance and power, while offering fans a product they can wear with pride.
Usage and Debut
Fans could have seen the kit in action for the first time during the Continental Cup fixture between Manchester City Women and Manchester United on Wednesday, 24 January 2024. The collection were available globally since 18 January 2024 through PUMA stores, PUMA.com, the City Store at the Etihad Stadium, mancity.com/shop, and select retailers worldwide. The release ensures that fans have access to both the on-field performance jersey and replica versions, along with the full capsule of apparel.
Did You Know?
- This is not the first time Manchester City has released a Lunar New Year kit. The 2023 Year of the Rabbit kit featured a deep blue and gold moonscape design.
- The Year of the Dragon has been celebrated by other Premier League clubs, including Manchester United in 2020 with a red faux-silk shirt featuring an embroidered dragon.
- Every element of the 2024 kit, from the dragon’s twisting form to the custom zodiac typeface, has been designed to reflect both Chinese culture and City’s sporting achievements.
