UEFA Bans Germany’s Retro 1990 Kit for Klopp’s Debut Against Netherlands

Germany will not wear their planned retro 1990 World Cup-inspired away kit when they face the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday after UEFA reportedly rejected the shirt.

The decision means Jürgen Klopp will begin his competitive tenure as Germany coach with the team wearing an all-black kit instead. The black strip is reportedly the final Germany shirt designed by Adidas before Nike takes over the national team’s kit supply in 2027.

Germany had planned to wear a re-released version of their famous 1990 World Cup away kit for Klopp’s first match in charge. However, according to German publication Bild, UEFA objected to elements of the design.

The report said UEFA rejected the shirt because the three Adidas stripes extend to the end of the sleeves, an area reserved for UEFA competition branding. The second issue reportedly concerned the visibility of the players’ numbers on the front of the shirt.

The retro kit was originally scheduled to be unveiled on November 3 and make its first appearance during Germany’s Nations League meeting with the Netherlands in Berlin on November 16.

Klopp had spoken positively about the shirt during his press conference on Wednesday, saying he expected supporters to like the design. “Everyone will love it. It’s great,” the former Liverpool manager said.

Germany will now face the Netherlands in the Nations League wearing their all-black strip as Klopp begins his competitive reign. The match is scheduled for 7:45pm local time on Thursday, September 24.

The Netherlands-Germany clash is one of the headline fixtures on the opening night of the 2026/27 Nations League, with both teams entering the campaign under new coaches.