La Liga's 31st round is set to become an event blending football and fashion. Sixteen of the 20 teams will play in kits designed decades ago. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Getafe, and Rayo Vallecano are not participating due to logistical reasons, but they support the initiative.

Other entities are also embracing the initiative. In the second division, all 22 teams will take part. Referees will enter the field in special attire, and television broadcasts will use graphics reminiscent of past decades. During Madrid fashion week on 19/3, organizers introduced these kits as part of a collaboration between football and fashion.

La Liga is the first of Europe's top five national leagues (alongside the Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A, and Ligue 1) to participate in this campaign. Previously, similar initiatives occurred in two Australian football and rugby leagues.

Atletico Madrid will play this weekend in a kit dating back to 1903. *Photo: La Liga*

According to La Liga board member Jaime Blanco, Spanish football's embrace of the past aims to honor cultural identity, express respect for history and tradition, and revive "unforgettable" memories for many generations of fans.

"It allows us to bring the past into the present, while continuing to build experiences and strengthen the heritage that emotionally connects with fans. Introducing this collection during Spain's premier fashion week provides the perfect platform to showcase that identity beyond the pitch, placing football at the center of a dialogue with culture and creativity," Blanco added.

Why do football kits tend to be nostalgic?

This is not the first time football clubs have honored their history. In their 0-2 loss to Como this season, Juventus wore kits inspired by the 1996-1997 season. In March, Liverpool launched a collection featuring jerseys inspired by the 1960s and their 2005 home kit, when they famously came back to beat AC Milan in the Champions League final. Previously, Arsenal also recreated their yellow kit from the 1991-1992 season.

Juventus' classic-inspired kit (left) during their 0-2 loss to Como on 22/2/2026. *Photo: Juventus.com*

According to Jordan Clarke, founder of Footballer Fits, an Instagram platform exploring the link between football culture and fashion, nostalgia is a common phenomenon in society, not exclusive to football. He suggests many people are nostalgic for the past, when they were younger and less anxious, even dreaming of reliving those times.

Nostalgia is also a way for fans to celebrate the true beauty of football. Today, top leagues, especially the Premier League, are accused of becoming boring due to time-wasting tactics, VAR intervention, player fatigue, and an overemphasis on tactical systems rather than individual flair.

"Football has become mechanized and very different from what we grew up with," Clarke said. "Today's players express themselves less, have less personality, and coaches want to control every aspect of the game. In my opinion, players truly seek self-expression through external things, such as fashion, music, other sports, or simply culture in general. That rise comes from their inability to play football like Neymar or other idols."

Girona FC's classic kit design. *Photo: La Liga*

Clubs are also focusing more on promotion, seeking to attract culture-loving fans who are not overly obsessed with football but are more interested in music and fashion. "By combining these elements, clubs appear more appealing. Culture in football is crucial for both clubs and players," Clarke added.

Thanh Quy (according to BBC)