What is the design highlight of the Man City 2025/26 home kit?

The main visual feature is a diagonal sash across the chest in contrasting tones, with darker navy accents for logos and sponsor treatment, nodding to heritage sash motifs while keeping a modern silhouette.

What are the price estimates for the Man City 25/26 jersey in South Africa?

A new-season Replica shirt typically costs between R1,600 and R2,700, while Authentic (player-fit) versions are higher due to import fees and duties.

How can I tell if a Man City 25/26 jersey is authentic?

Check for the woven club crest, PUMA heat-applied or embroidered badge, correct sponsor printing, and the product code on the tag. Official PUMA and Manchester City store pages list the exact product codes.

What is the difference between the Authentic and Replica versions of the 25/26 home kit?

The Replica has a regular, more forgiving fit for everyday wear, while the Authentic offers a trim, performance silhouette like what players wear on the pitch. Authentic versions cost more and sell out faster.

Where can I buy the Man City 25/26 jersey in South Africa?

Official global releases may reach South African distributors and specialist sports retailers. Bash also keeps a curated selection of teamwear and related gear on its Brands page.

Where to authenticate a Man City 25/26 jersey and how to spot fakes

Practical checks to verify a Man City 25/26 jersey - from product codes and stitching to trusted sellers and South African legal context. Learn where to buy safely.

Published:June 12, 2026

Updated:September 7, 2026

6 min read

Photo by Tomi Exposures on Pexels

Start with tags

Compare the inner product code and jock tag to official club/manufacturer listings.

Sources

Manchester City - 2025/26 home kit launch and product notes. (official club announcement).
Manchester City official shop - product page for 25/26 jersey. (official product listing).
KitLegit - authentication guide and app for football shirts. (industry tool and guidance).
Pro:Direct Sport - Authentic vs Replica football shirts. (technical differences in fit and fabrics).
South African Revenue Service - guidance on prohibited, restricted and counterfeit goods. (legal and enforcement context in South Africa).

Why authentication matters

A genuine Manchester City 25/26 jersey is more than a logo - it’s the correct cut, materials and licensed markings you expect from the club and manufacturer. Buying a counterfeit can mean poor fit, faded printing and a product that won’t last. Where you buy and what you check are the two most reliable defences. Official releases list both Authentic (player) and Replica (fan) versions - note these differences before you inspect a shirt.

Where people commonly find fakes

Unverified marketplace listings or unofficial sellers on social media.
Stalls and small informal vendors without invoices or official packaging.
Third-party auction or resale sites where seller history is unclear.

We recommend starting with official retail channels to avoid risk - for club stock, check the Manchester City official shop and manufacturer channels. If you prefer local retailers, buy from known stores or verified brand pages. On Bash, you can explore related brand options under Brands to find authorised listings and broader product context.

Quick comparison

Manchester City 25/26 jersey (this model)	Manchester City 24/25 jersey (mainstream alternative)
Typical use: latest-season fan or player wear; offered in Authentic (player-fit) and Replica (fan-fit).	Previous-season official: similar choices (Authentic/Replica) but different cut and graphics.
Material & fit: lighter technical cloth on Authentic; closer fit; heat-bonded badges on some variants.	Material & fit: varies by season; usually slightly heavier on fan versions and different trim details.
Identification marks: season product code on inner tags, correct club crest, manufacturer marks and printing style; price varies by version (estimate bands: Authentic R1 500-R2 200; Replica R700-R1 200).	Identification marks: similar tag locations but different product codes and trim; price typically varies by season and stock (estimate bands: Replica lower, Authentic slightly higher than older sale prices).
Where to buy: club shop, official manufacturer stores, verified retailers.	Where to buy: same as above or reputable resellers for sold-out seasons.

Five fast authentication checks to do in person or from photos

When you have the shirt in front of you (or a seller sends detailed photos), run these checks in order. They’re practical, quick and catch the most common counterfeits.

1. Check the product code and jock tag

Every current-season official shirt carries a product code on the inner care tag and sometimes on a small jock tag at the lower hem. Match that code to the product listing on the club or manufacturer site - identical codes are a strong sign you’re looking at the right item. Counterfeit shirts often have missing, wrong or badly printed codes.

2. Inspect stitching and badge attachment

Genuine shirts use neat stitching, secure badge attachment and consistent embroidery or heat-pressing. Look for loose threads, off-colour stitching or badges that feel glued rather than sewn or heat-bonded - these are typical signs of poor counterfeit production.

3. Examine print quality and fonts

Club names, sponsor logos and player numbers use exact typefaces and printing techniques. Compare printing to official product images from the club/manufacturer. Blurred logos, misaligned numbers or incorrect font shapes usually indicate a fake.

Consideration: if a deal looks much cheaper than the usual retail range above, assume higher risk unless the seller supplies original receipts and verifiable provenance.

4. Feel the fabric and trim

Authentic player versions use the lightest, most breathable fabrics from the manufacturer; replicas feel slightly thicker. Also check internal finishing - tidy bonded seams and branded inner tape are common on genuine items. If the fabric feels plasticky or the badge peels, that’s a red flag.

5. Ask for proof of purchase and original packaging

Original receipt, tags with barcodes, and branded packaging make a genuine listing far likelier. If buying second-hand, request clear photos of tags and the specific product code. For higher-value purchases, insist on a video showing the inner tags and the jock tag close-up before payment.

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Trusted verification services and digital checks

When you can’t inspect a shirt in person, two services are commonly used by collectors and resellers: community authentication platforms and manufacturer/club confirmation. Apps like KitLegit help compare tag details and known counterfeits; community experts can spot tell-tale inconsistencies quickly. Use these as part of your decision-making, not as the sole proof.

How to handle online buying safely

Buy from the Manchester City official site or the manufacturer’s verified stores where possible.
If buying locally, choose established retailers with invoices and seller history; if in doubt, ask for photos and the product code first.
Avoid listings that only show mannequin or marketing photos rather than shots of the actual item for sale.

What to do if you suspect a counterfeit in South Africa

Trading or importing counterfeit goods is taken seriously in South Africa. The Counterfeit Goods Act and customs enforcement mean counterfeit items may be seized and sellers prosecuted; consumers should report suspect goods to authorities when appropriate. If you believe you’ve been sold a fake, keep all evidence - photos, messages and payment receipts - and contact the seller first for a refund. If that fails, you can escalate to the relevant enforcement body.

We prefer buying directly from the club or verified manufacturer store when the season drops; that removes guesswork. For local shoppers, look for verified retailers that provide original tags and receipts. If you plan to resell later, keep the original tags, packaging and any proof of purchase - those keep resale value and help with verification.

Where Bash fits in

We help you find authorised brand pages and verified sellers across categories. If you’re looking for licensed fanwear or related sports gear, explore our brand collections or the Men section for trusted product listings and seller information.

If you’d like, we can walk through a specific listing or photo you’ve seen and help check the product code, tags and images - send the photos and we’ll look them over together.

Last updated: September 7, 2026

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