LaLiga announces historic retro matchday, but Real Madrid won’t wear a vintage jersey

Spanish soccer will take a step back in time on the weekend of April 12. Real Madrid, however, will very much be staying in the present.

For the first time in a major global league, every match will be played with a retro aesthetic. LaLiga has announced that clubs in both the first and second divisions will take the field wearing vintage-inspired jerseys, while broadcasts will feature retro-style graphics. Even the match ball and referees’ uniforms will follow the throwback theme.

“When I first saw some of the jerseys, I thought, ‘This is going to be huge,’” said Jaime Blanco, director of LaLiga’s club office, in a conversation with AS. “They’re incredible.”

A historic matchday for LaLiga

The initiative will take place during Matchday 31 in LaLiga and Matchday 35 in the second division, with clubs celebrating their heritage while also creating a major global branding moment.

“This initiative will take LaLiga and its clubs to another dimension,” Blanco explained. “It allows us to connect with older generations, younger fans, and even audiences who may not watch soccer but love the style.”

Blanco compared the idea to the global popularity of NBA jerseys.

“There are plenty of people who wear NBA jerseys without ever watching a game,” he said. “We want to tap into that same cultural space. This is something that goes beyond the sport itself, and we expect it to have a tremendous impact. Some of these jerseys will become iconic.”

According to Blanco, the project is also unprecedented in global soccer.

“No major league has ever done something like this,” he said. “No one has ever played an entire matchday like this before. It will help us connect with fans around the world.”

Why Real Madrid and Barcelona won’t be going retro

The campaign has been approved by a large majority of clubs and is planned to run for two seasons.

However, Real Madrid has not joined the initiative, although the club has not formally opposed it either.

“We hope and trust that they will join next season,” LaLiga officials said. “That is certainly our wish.”

Most teams will take part this year, though a few will face technical limitations. Barcelona, Rayo Vallecano, and Getafe will not wear vintage uniforms during the first retro matchday due to production issues. However, all three clubs will still participate in surrounding promotional events and are expected to debut their retro jerseys next season.

Vintage jerseys take the runway

One of the campaign’s biggest moments will come on March 19, when all clubs unveil their retro uniforms during Madrid Fashion Week under the slogan: “A collection that never goes out of style.”

The event will last around 90 minutes and will feature international models, club legends, ambassadors, and influencers walking the runway while wearing the jerseys.

“This opens the door to an environment where we’re not usually present,” Blanco said. “Each club is contributing ideas to make the event special.”

A new business opportunity

The retro jerseys will also be available for purchase.

Some clubs already sell vintage-inspired merchandise, while others see the campaign as a chance to launch a new product line. On average, each team has ordered 1,500 to 2,000 jerseys, with an estimated 70,000 to 80,000 shirts expected to hit the market.

LaLiga projects the initiative could generate between $6.5 million and $7.5 million for clubs combined, providing a meaningful new revenue stream.

A logistical challenge

Producing the jerseys, however, has not been simple.

“We’re very happy, but it has been a real challenge,” Blanco said. “In the U.S., leagues often have a single technical supplier for all teams. We’ve had to coordinate 13 different manufacturers.”

The challenge is even greater because many clubs have changed equipment suppliers over the past two or three decades.

“Each club has been responsible for developing its own design,” Blanco explained. “Some are exact replicas, others are inspired by classic kits, and some include details from iconic jerseys.”

The goal, though, is the same for everyone involved: a tribute to the past and a celebration of Spanish soccer’s rich legacy.

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