In 1999, FC Barcelona celebrated their 100th anniversary. To mark the milestone, Nike unveiled a one-of-a-kind centenary kit—half red, half blue—that broke tradition while paying tribute to the club’s roots.
Initially met with mixed reactions, the Barcelona 1999 Centenary Kit has since become one of the most beloved special edition retro shirts in football history. Here’s the story behind it.
Design & Features
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Split Colourway: Unlike the usual striped blaugrana, this shirt was cleanly split—blue on one side, red on the other.
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Crest: Featured a special commemorative centenary badge, embroidered to mark the occasion.
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Manufacturer: Nike, in their early years as Barça’s kit supplier, used a minimal design template to highlight the anniversary feel.
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Collar & Detailing: A retro-style blue collar with simple gold Nike swoosh.
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Historical Context
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Occasion: Released for the club’s 100th anniversary celebrations in 1999.
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Team Era: Managed by Louis van Gaal, Barcelona were La Liga champions and packed with stars like Rivaldo, Figo, Guardiola, and Kluivert.
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Matches: Worn in select centenary fixtures, making it instantly rare and symbolic.
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Cultural Impact
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Fan Reaction: At first, many fans weren’t sure—breaking the famous blaugrana stripes felt risky. But over time, it became a cult classic.
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Collectibility: Today, original 1999 shirts are considered grail items for collectors.
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Influence: Inspired later “split” designs in football kits, showing how bold ideas can outlive criticism.
Legacy & Collectibility
The Barcelona 1999 Centenary Kit is now seen as a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. Its rarity, boldness, and connection to the club’s centenary mean it’s one of the most valuable and sought-after retro Barça kits.
The 1999 Centenary Kit wasn’t just another Barcelona shirt—it was a symbol of identity and celebration. What began as a bold experiment has grown into one of the most treasured retro shirts in football history.
💬 Would you wear the Centenary Kit proudly, or keep it locked away as a collector’s item?
