An historic kit launch for 1. FC Köln. In the year where the club celebrates its 77th birthday and the 777thanniversary of work commencing on the Kölner Dom, 1. FC Köln have released a new third kit to pay homage to the Köln landmark. The design was a collaboration between the Kölner Dom and FC partner, hummel.
The Kölner Dom isn’t only celebrated as an architectural masterpiece but also as a symbol for the history and belief in the city which has attracted and inspired millions of people. FC pay tribute to the Kölner Dom with the 2025-26 away kit, a landmark known across the world.
FC Managing Director, Philipp Liesenfeld said: “The Dom means solidarity and tradition. It is the symbol of our city. The Dom carries Köln far beyond the city boundaries and now we will wear it. We want to honour the history and the symbolic nature for everyone in Köln. It is an honour for us and with huge pride that we will wear this kit in the Bundesliga.”
Dombaumeister Peter Füssenich emphasises the parallels between the cathedral and FC: “777 years of the Kölner Dom and 77 years of 1. FC Köln. Two constructions with Köln at heart. Both require patience, stamina and togetherness. As Dombaumeister I know that such construction grow over generations. The Dom, as well FC, lives off continuous dedication. I am pleased that we are celebrating both anniversaries together, respecting history and looking into the future.”
“This kit honours the strong connection between a club, a city and the most well-known landmark. The cooperation with 1. FC Köln on this one-of-a-kind homage to the Kölner Dom was an absolute privilege. It mirrors the identity, unity and tradition that make the team and the city to what they are. We hope that the people in Köln don’t just wear the kit out of pride for their club, but also out of love for the city,” said Morten Lund, Marketing Director at hummel.
The black jersey is particularly impressive with its elaborate embossed elements inspired by the architecture of the Kölner Dom. The jersey features a subtle pattern depicting the column structures, Gothic windows, gargoyles and the ‘Decke Pitter’, among other things. This is the affectionate name given by the people of Köln to the Dom’s largest and most famous bell, the Petersglocke.
The 1. FC Köln badge and partner hummel’s logo were embroidered with gold thread, and the silhouette of the Kölner Dom, the lettering ‘15th August 1248 – 777 years – 15th August 2025’ on the neckband and the logos of the partners REWE and DEVK are also in gold.
Prof. Barbara Schock-Werner, President of the Zentral-Dombau-Vereins, emphasises the emotional connection: "It is the passion and loyalty of our members that motivate and inspire us – this is what unites 1. FC Köln and the Zentral-Dombau-Verein. The Kölner Dom and FC represent home, identity and craftsmanship. We are delighted that Köln’s two passions are once again working together."
Dean Robert Kleine also sees a deeper meaning to this connection: "Love for FC and the Dom brings together people from different backgrounds and walks of life. It unites them, offers comfort and gives them renewed hope. It's “e Jeföhl, dat verbink” (the feeling that connects), as the FC fans sing, in “Zokunft un Verjangenheit” (future and past). And so, on 15th August, we will bring together what belongs together in the Kölner Dom – and celebrate an ecumenical service at 12 noon on the anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone of our Dom.”
Now available in fanshops and online
The new FC third kit is now available for €99.95 (adults, FC members €89.96) and €79.95 (children, FC members €71.96) in FC fanshops as well as online on fc.de and koelner-domshop.de. Fans can also find exclusive anniversary items to the double anniversary.
The shorts for the third kit are also in black with gold badge and logo, with black socks to match.
Living history: the Dom and FC – forever connected
The connection between the Kölner Dom and 1. FC Köln has a long tradition: the Dom is part of the FC badge. The club's first German championship in 1963 was the occasion for immortalising the club with a stone billy goat on the Dom, created by sculptor Werner Meurer. In addition, two iconic football players carved in stone by sculptor Engelbert Davepon can be found at the cathedral. It has become a tradition for FC to hold a service at the Kölner Dom before the start of the new season, including singing the FC anthem.
1. FC Köln also wants to strengthen its support for the Zentral-Dombau-Verein with the sale of the third kit. Together, with partners REWE and DEVK, FC is donating a total of €77,777 to the Zentral-Dombau-Verein. The kit is sold in a special collection box with explanations of the history of the Kölner Dom and information about the elements integrated into the kit.
FC asks for support for the Central Cathedral Building Association in Cologne
To ensure that the Kölner Dom remains preserved in all its splendour for future generations, 1. FC Köln is calling on the FC family to provide financial support to the Zentral-Dombau-Verein on the occasion of its anniversary. The Köln landmark requires seven to eight million euros annually for structural maintenance, with the ZDV contributing around 60 percent of this sum.
Anyone wishing to support the ZDV beyond this can do so by becoming a member or making a donation. All information can be found on the ZDV website.
Donations
Zentral-Dombau-Verein zu Köln
Commerzbank AG Köln
IBAN: DE51 3704 0044 0508 7655 00
BIC: COBADEFFXXX
