VALLADOLID, Spain – SD Eibar will accept a step back in time when they face Real Valladolid on April 12, 2026, at the José Zorrilla stadium. The club unveiled its retro kits at Madrid Fashion Week, paying homage to the iconic 1987-88 season when Eibar secured promotion to the Segunda División after a 28-year wait. The special kits will be worn during LaLiga Hypermotion’s Jornada Retro, a league-wide celebration of football history.
The decision to create a retro kit was influenced by the fact that Eibar will be the away team for the match against Valladolid. Unable to replicate their traditional blue and garnet home kit for the occasion, the club opted to honor the white kit worn during that pivotal 1987-88 campaign, a season marked by 14 previous attempts at promotion.
José María Luluaga and José Ignacio Garmendia showcase the Eibar retro kits inspired by the 1987-88 season.
Legends Revisit the Past
The unveiling featured two legends from that historic squad: José María Luluaga, who modeled the outfield player’s kit, and José Ignacio Garmendia, who presented the goalkeeper’s jersey. Garmendia, though unable to attend the Madrid event in person, participated in a photoshoot at the Ipurua stadium prior to the unveiling. The kits are designed as an elegant fusion of all the white kits that have represented the club’s journey.
The outfield player’s kit features a white base with garnet accents, echoing the style of the late 1980s. A prominent, notched collar is a key design element, reminiscent of the era’s football shirts. The historic Eibar crest is embroidered on the chest, alongside the classic Hummel logo, maintaining the vintage aesthetic. Chevron patterns and side panels incorporate a unique fabric texture, complementing the matching shorts and socks.
The design draws inspiration from the memorable promotion-winning season, secured at the Tabira field in Durango, a moment etched in the memories of Eibar supporters. Two years prior, the club had also celebrated promotion to Segunda B after overcoming Coria and Badajoz.
A Goalkeeper’s Homage
The goalkeeper’s kit is a faithful replica of the one worn during the 1987-88 season. It features a gray and navy blue color scheme, a distinctive collar, long sleeves, and a fabric with a subtle sheen, mirroring the materials used at the time. This kit is a direct tribute to José Ignacio Garmendia, a club icon.
Garmendia, who guarded the Eibar goal for 19 seasons (1979-1998), including ten in the Segunda División, simultaneously ran a butcher shop in Villabona. He remains the player with the most official appearances in the club’s history. Fans also fondly remember his remarkable goal scored from his own penalty area against Pontevedra during that legendary season.
Both kits feature the logos of current sponsors Smartlog and Galys, integrated into the design to resemble the logo of Imigas, the club’s sponsor during the 1987-88 season.
Availability
The limited-edition retro collection will be available for purchase starting Friday, March 20, at Orxaisan and the new retail location on Fermín Calbeton kalea.
As Eibar prepares for their match against Real Valladolid, currently 18th in LaLiga Hypermotion according to Sofascore, the retro kits serve as a powerful reminder of the club’s rich history and enduring spirit. Valladolid, playing at home in their José Zorrilla stadium, will be looking to climb the table, even as Eibar, currently 11th, aims to continue their push towards the top half of the league. The match, scheduled for April 12, 2026, promises to be a captivating encounter, blending nostalgia with the competitive intensity of modern football.
The unveiling of these kits isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about connecting with the club’s heritage and celebrating the players and moments that have defined Eibar’s journey. For fans of a certain generation, the sight of these kits will undoubtedly evoke powerful memories of a golden era in the club’s history. And for newer supporters, it’s an opportunity to learn about the traditions and values that make SD Eibar a unique and cherished institution.
Eibar’s next challenge after the Valladolid match is yet to be confirmed, but fans can stay updated on the club’s official website and social media channels for the latest news and schedule announcements.
