Seville, Spain – LaLiga is set to make history this April with the inaugural “Jornada Retro,” a league-wide initiative that will see clubs across Spain’s top two divisions sporting throwback kits inspired by iconic moments from their past. The unique event, scheduled for April 10-13, 2026, aims to connect with fans across generations and blend the worlds of football and fashion.
The initiative will encompass all 38 clubs within LALIGA EA SPORTS and LALIGA HYPERMOTION, with teams donning reimagined jerseys that pay homage to classic designs. Even the match officials will participate, sporting specially designed uniforms through the Comité Técnico de Árbitros (CTA) of the RFEF. This marks the first time a major European league has undertaken such a comprehensive retro-themed matchday.
Sevilla FC is among the clubs preparing to participate, and will showcase a vintage kit during the 31st matchday of the LALIGA EA SPORTS season. The club, like most of its Primera and Segunda División counterparts, is embracing the opportunity to celebrate its heritage. The vintage kits will be officially unveiled on Thursday, March 19, during Madrid Fashion Week, further emphasizing the intersection of football and style.
“LALIGA will celebrate the first Retro Day in its history from April 10 to 13, 2026, an unprecedented action in European professional football in which 38 clubs from LALIGA EA SPORTS and LALIGA HYPERMOTION will play their matches with new kits inspired by iconic editions of their past, also accompanied by the referees, who will wear a special design,” LaLiga stated in a recent press release.
The concept behind the Jornada Retro extends beyond just the kits. LaLiga intends to immerse fans in a nostalgic experience, with retro-inspired graphics for television broadcasts and even a throwback match ball. Jaime Blanco, director of the LaLiga club office, highlighted the potential impact, stating, “When I saw some of the shirts, I said ‘we’re going to cause a stir…’. It’s impressive.”
Blanco believes this initiative will broaden LaLiga’s appeal, connecting with older generations who fondly remember past eras, younger fans drawn to vintage aesthetics, and even individuals who appreciate the style without necessarily following the sport closely. He drew a parallel to the popularity of NBA jerseys, noting that many people wear them as fashion statements without being avid basketball fans. “This initiative will put LaLiga and the clubs in another dimension,” Blanco explained. “It will allow us to connect with older generations, with the younger ones and with audiences who do not watch football but like the style.”
The decision to move forward with the Jornada Retro was overwhelmingly approved by the clubs, with a two-season commitment already in place. However, Real Madrid reportedly voted against the initiative, along with a few other teams citing technical concerns. Despite these objections, the vast majority of clubs are on board, eager to participate in this unique celebration of football history.
LaLiga envisions the Jornada Retro as more than just a one-off event. The league aims to create a “collection that will never go out of fashion,” transforming the history of each club into a current trend. The presentation at Madrid Fashion Week underscores this ambition, positioning the league at the forefront of a fusion between sport and culture.
“The Retro Day is a unique opportunity to pay tribute to the history of our clubs and the symbols that have marked several generations of fans. It is a way to bring the past to the present and continue building experiences and forging the legacy that emotionally connects with the fans,” Blanco added. “Presenting this collection at Spanish Fashion Week is the perfect showcase to project that identity beyond the playing field and place football at the center of the cultural and creative conversation.”
The upcoming unveiling on March 19th promises a glimpse into the designs that will grace the pitches of Spain in April. Fans can anticipate a visual journey through the rich history of Spanish football, as clubs revisit iconic kits and moments that have defined their identities. The Jornada Retro is poised to be a landmark event, not just for LaLiga, but for the broader landscape of professional football, potentially setting a precedent for other leagues to follow.
What’s Next: The vintage kits will be officially presented at Madrid Fashion Week on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Fans can then appear forward to seeing the kits in action during the Jornada Retro matches between April 10-13, 2026.
What are your thoughts on LaLiga’s retro initiative? Share your favorite classic kits and memories in the comments below!
