La Liga clubs are planning on enjoying a special retro matchday in the Spanish top flight in the coming weeks.
It’s been announced that on the weekend of April 10-13th the clubs “will don kits inspired by iconic models from their legacy” and these will be revealed on March 19th. Barcelona are due to play Espanyol in the Catalan derby that weekend.
Here’s the official statement from La Liga, detailing the plans.
“LALIGA will celebrate the first Retro Matchday in its history from April 10 to 13, 2026, an unprecedented event in European professional football in which 38 clubs from LALIGA EA SPORTS and LALIGA HYPERMOTION will take to the field with new kits inspired by iconic editions from their past, accompanied also by the referees, who will wear a special design through the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) of the RFEF.
“The LALIGA Retro Day was born as a tangible expression of a vibrant legacy, transforming the history of the clubs into an emotional experience that is celebrated and even worn on the pitch. Historic jerseys, reinterpreted for the current competition, act as a bridge between generations, connecting the origins of the fans with how football is experienced today. This initiative unites football and fashion on the field itself, positioning LALIGA as the only one of the five major European leagues to promote a joint action of this kind.
“During matchday 31 of LALIGA EA SPORTS and matchday 35 of LALIGA HYPERMOTION, 38 LALIGA clubs will join this initiative, wearing new retro kits inspired by historical models from their history.”
It’s not just the players who are going retro. The plan is also to use retro balls and television graphics to produce a classic feel, while referees will also be decked out in different gear.
All of which sounds quite fun, except Barcelona aren’t really going to be involved. According to multiple reports, the Catalans won’t wear a retro kit due to “logistical reasons”.
Rayo and Getafe are in the same boat but all three clubs are said to be “still part of the campaign.” All of the other teams – apart from Real Madrid apparently – have said yes to the initiative and will take part.
