Borussia Dortmund’s recently unveiled away kit for the 2025/26 season has ignited a wave of discontent among fans, prompting the club to acknowledge the criticism and commit to taking action.

The controversial kit, featuring a white base with black sleeves and neon yellow accents, made its debut during Saturday’s 2-0 Bundesliga victory against Heidenheim.

However, rather than generating excitement, the new design was met with anger both in the stands and online. Fans displayed banners labeling it as “the cruelest jersey in the league.” Chants demanding a return to the club’s iconic colors, “We want black and yellow jerseys,” echoed through the stadium before the match began, highlighting a strong desire for tradition.

On social media, the backlash continued, with many supporters deeming the kit a deviation from Dortmund’s storied heritage. Detractors argued that it resembles a training shirt rather than one befitting the legendary Schwarzgelben.

In response to the uproar, club executives have promised to listen to their passionate fan base.

Managing director Carsten Cramer took personal responsibility for the fallout, telling reporters: “The criticism has been received, and we are addressing it. The responsibility lies with me. We won’t always be able to please everyone when selecting jerseys.”

Sporting director Sebastian Kehl was more measured, reminding fans that opinions on kit design are always split.

“I think we have different opinions about jerseys every year,” he said. “It will never be the case that a Borussia Dortmund jersey meets with 100 percent approval. Fundamentally, we know which colors represent our city and our club, and that this is reflected in the design of almost all jerseys.”

He added, with a touch of humour: “However, there are also people who want something younger, something fresh, something creative. The new jersey brought BVB three points in Heidenheim. A successful jersey, I’d say. Everything else is a discussion that we as a club consider normal.”

Whether the kit makes another appearance when Dortmund travel to Mainz on September 27 remains to be seen, but if it does, you best believe that Dortmund fans to have something to say about it.