Charly Futbol and Metzican Release Third Kits for Liga MX Clubs
Kevin Jenkins
Mexican sportswear brand Charly Futbol has collaborated with renowned designers Metzican to craft five bespoke third kits for their Liga MX teams: Santos Laguna, Club León, Tijuana, Pachuca, and Atlas. In this article, we’ll delve into each kit, exploring the unique design elements and inspirations that make them stand out.
Santos Laguna 24/25 Third Kit
First up is Santos Laguna, representing the Comarca Lagunera region with a striking and imaginative third kit. The design features a bold black base, serving as the perfect canvas for a vibrant mural that dominates the front. The artwork showcases a female warrior, symbolising strength and resilience, a pigeon representing peace, and a football to connect it all to the beautiful game.
The kit is a celebration of the warrior spirit deeply rooted in the region’s identity, honouring those who embody courage and determination both on and off the pitch. The intricate details and vivid colours of the mural add a layer of artistry, making this kit as much a statement of cultural pride as it is a football shirt.
Next, we turn our attention to Club León and their truly artistic third kit, a visually captivating design that blends tradition with modernity. The shirt features a sleek grey base adorned with an abstract mural, creating a striking yet sophisticated look. At the heart of the design are two warriors, depicted facing away from each other, symbolising duality, unity, and the combative spirit of football.
This mural is a celebration of art, passion, and football converging, echoing the vibrant urban culture that defines designers Metzican. The subtle intricacies of the mural bring a sense of storytelling, bridging the rich history of León with the contemporary artistry of the design.
The kit is perfectly balanced with emerald green accents on the sleeves, collar, and branding, providing a refreshing burst of colour against the monochrome palette. These emerald touches pay homage to the club’s traditional colours, tying the avant-garde design back to León’s heritage. This kit isn’t just a shirt—it’s a wearable masterpiece that celebrates both the culture of the club and the innovative spirit of Metzican’s artistry.
Club Tijuana’s 2024/25 third kit is a bold and passionate tribute to the club’s emblem and mascot: a Xoloitzcuintle dog named Hermoso, famously owned by the club’s founding owner. This striking design pays homage to the deep cultural and historical significance of the Xoloitzcuintle, a breed revered in Mexican heritage, while also celebrating Hermoso’s symbolic connection to the club.
The kit features a dynamic black and charcoal base that serves as the backdrop for a powerful and imposing image of Hermoso. Rendered in snarling grey and vibrant red, the depiction of Hermoso with bared teeth captures the raw energy and indomitable spirit of both the team and the city of Tijuana. The aggressive design evokes a sense of pride, determination, and fearlessness—qualities that resonate deeply with the club’s identity.
Adding to the visual appeal, the kit is accented with bold red piping along the shoulders and sleeves, providing a vibrant contrast to the darker tones. White sponsor logos and the club crest stand out cleanly against the backdrop, ensuring the overall design remains balanced and cohesive. This kit is more than just football wear; it’s a statement piece that embodies the fierce pride of Tijuana and the untamed spirit of the Xoloitzcuintle.
Pachuca’s 2024/25 third kit is a stunning tribute to Mexican heritage, celebrating the nation’s rich traditions and iconic architecture. The design draws inspiration from cultural motifs, featuring intricate imagery of Mexican totem poles intertwined with abstract representations of architectural elements. Together, these elements create a mural that honours both the historical and artistic legacy of Mexico.
The kit boasts a light blue base that symbolises the sky and a sense of openness, beautifully offset by a deeper navy blue used to render the detailed mural. The darker tones of the artwork lend the design depth and texture, making the symbols and patterns stand out. White piping along the sleeves and accents throughout the kit provide a crisp, clean contrast, tying the elements together harmoniously. The navy blue collar adds a touch of sophistication, complementing the overall aesthetic while grounding the vibrant design.
This kit is more than a football shirt; it’s a wearable celebration of culture and identity. With the slogan "One heart, one infinite passion!", the design encapsulates the unity and pride of the Pachuca community, while also symbolising the boundless energy and love for the game shared by fans and players alike. It’s a powerful expression of Mexican heritage blended seamlessly with modern football design.
Lastly, we have Atlas FC’s striking third kit for the 2024/25 season, a bold design that pays homage to Guadalajara, often referred to as "The City of Fury." This kit is a celebration of the city’s vibrant urban art scene and its deep cultural roots, reflecting the passion, resilience, and indomitable spirit that define both the city and its football club.
The shirt features a bright red base, symbolising energy and intensity, serving as the perfect canvas for a dramatic mural. The design includes bold imagery of Mexican warriors, a powerful nod to the strength and bravery associated with Atlas and its supporters. Interwoven with these figures are traditional motifs that evoke themes of fury and fearlessness, capturing the raw essence of the club and the city it represents. The black accents used in the mural create a striking contrast against the red backdrop, giving the design depth and visual impact.
Adding to the kit’s refined details, white and black piping runs along the collar and sleeves, lending a polished finish that balances the dramatic central design. This kit is more than just football apparel—it’s a visual narrative of Guadalajara’s rich history, artistic heritage, and unwavering spirit. A true representation of "La Academia" and its connection to its community, this third kit stands as a proud symbol of strength, unity, and the enduring legacy of Atlas FC.
These five third kits from Charly Futbol and Metzican are more than just football shirts—they are works of art that tell unique stories, blending cultural heritage, urban influences, and football passion into stunning designs. Each kit represents not only the identity of its respective club but also the broader spirit of Mexican culture, celebrating art, history, and the love for the beautiful game. Whether it’s the warrior spirit of Santos Laguna, the artistic duality of Club León, the untamed energy of Club Tijuana, the architectural homage of Pachuca, or the fierce pride of Atlas, these kits stand out as creative masterpieces. They serve as a reminder of how football fashion can transcend the pitch, becoming a symbol of pride and storytelling for fans and communities alike.