With Thomas Delaney's stamp of approval, F.C. Copenhagen and adidas' new kit is an ode to the Danish capital

It's been dubbed one of the world's most liveable cities by Forbes, awarded the 'World Capital of Architecture' in 2023 by UNESCO, praised as a “polestar of art, architecture, design, and gastronomy" by New York Times. Copenhagen is a city whose merits we all know and love. But lately, the world has been catching on with gusto too.

This international fixation – and local reverence – for Copenhagen is something that Danish football club F.C. Copenhagen took to heart when tasked with designing the third jersey for the 24/25 season together with adidas. This meant not only looking to the general sporting playbook, but to Copenhagen in its entirety, with the design team immersing themselves in the essence of the city. Their vision? To not only create a jersey that fans and Copenhagen citizens alike could wear to matches, but something that would serve as a piece of everyday fashion – a reminder of their roots.

"The city means everything to us who play for F.C. Copenhagen and with the new third kit, there’s not a second of doubt about which city we belong to," says F.C Copenhagen's star midfielder Thomas Delaney to Vogue Scandinavia. "Sometimes, we might take it for granted, so it’s nice to honour the city’s iconic design and beautiful landmarks."

The "iconic design and beautiful landmarks" that Delaney references are subtly referenced but entirely recognisable in the kit. Take, for instance, the bottle green hue of the jersey – a direct nod to the classic benches found throughout Copenhagen since the 1800s. Meanwhile, the typography on the back of the new 24/25 jersey takes it cutes from the city's street signs and house numbers, often seen on green doors throughout the city. In addition, there are references to Copenhagen's ornate gates, distinctive doorknobs and intricate ironwork details. 


With Copenhagen's Parken Stadium being one of the most centrally-located city sports venues in the world, it only made sense that F.C. Copenhagen and adidas wanted a jersey that feels as intertwined with the city’s identity as the stadium itself. "It's great to have the opportunity to wear this kit that is completely unique, not only in its colourway but in its design," Delaney says. "I’m looking forward to playing in a jersey that makes me feel proud and at home."

According to Jürgen Rank, senior design director at adidas, the goal is to create designs “that resonate with players and supporters alike." "The club inspired us to celebrate the iconic Copenhagen design, an idea we brought to life by capturing the exact shade of green and intricate details from the Copenhagen benches, within the shirt’s patterns," Rank says. "The result transforms a unique local symbol into a statement piece that embodies both city and club.”

To mark the occasion, Delaney stepped in front of the lens of esteemed photographer Rasmus Weng Karlsen together with Rudi Neilsen – lifelong fan and widow of the club's co-founder Harald Nielsen – who Delaney commented was "a natural in front of the camera." They were joined by a small dog on set, who the mid-fielder also commended for doing "a great job". "All parties involved made it a very pleasant experience. I have the greatest respect for both Rudi and Rasmus," he reflects.

Delaney doesn't hesitate when delivering his verdict on the third kit for the 24/25 season, a piece that transcends traditional sportswear, bridging high fashion and Scandinavian design heritage all in one. "I think Copenhagen F.C: and adidas have hit the nail on the head with this one," he states.