FC Köln and kit partner Hummel have revealed the club’s 2025/26 Karneval Kit, a vibrant tribute to the countless volunteers who help keep Cologne’s legendary festivities alive. Aligned with this year’s motto — “Alaaf – Mer dun et för Kölle” (“Alaaf – We do it for Cologne”) — the design celebrates the city’s unmistakable Karneval identity and the shared sense of community that defines it.
Inspired by traditional Karneval attire, the Fastelovend jersey features bold red and white hoops and, for the first time, will be released exclusively as a long-sleeved shirt. Made entirely from 100% recycled polyester, the kit showcases subtle all-over prints of Cologne’s most iconic symbols — the city’s coat of arms, cathedral, and crown. A gold-crowned club badge sits proudly at the centre of the chest, while the neckline bears the inscription “1. FC KÖLN – 1948 – 1. FC KÖLN.” On the back of the neck, fans will find this year’s official motto from the Kölner Karneval Festival Committee.
“The Karneval kit connects our passion for the FC, the city, and the volunteers who make Karneval possible through its classic red and white design,” said Philipp Liesenfeld, FC Managing Director. “To represent those who bring Fastelovend to life, we made volunteers from the Kölsche Harlequins dance group, the Fidelen Kölschen music corps, the inclusive choir Jecke Öhrcher, and the Veedelverein Kölsche Sonnenkinder vun 1972 an integral part of our launch.”
“The Fastelovend jersey is a celebration of community, tradition, and identity — values deeply shared by both hummel and 1. FC Köln,” added Morten Lund, Marketing Director at hummel. “Every detail captures the unmistakable spirit of Cologne’s Karneval and honours the volunteers who keep that spirit alive. Football and Karneval both unite people through joy, colour, and pride.”
Limited to 11,111 pieces, the 2025/26 Karneval Kit is available now from Vintage Football Shirts
