When Puma and Borussia Dortmund announced their "History Remade" cup kit before the start of the 2024/25 season, the design sparked a mix of reactions. While the kit is intended to honor the club's storied past through a patchwork of four iconic designs from past cup campaigns, including their memorable 2013 UEFA Champions League Final run, many found the result less than appealing. The whimsical, asymmetrical design resembled a middle school art project more than a piece of athletic wear.
Puma’s Senior Director of Product Line Management Team Sport Apparel, Marco Meuller, articulated the intent behind the kit’s creation, stating: "The 24/25 Cup Kit is a tribute to Borussia Dortmund’s rich history and the moments that have shaped the Club. We aimed to create a jersey that not only performs at the highest level but also tells a story about the Club’s journey. This kit is designed to celebrate past glories while looking forward to future successes." While his sentiments highlight a noble goal, the execution raises eyebrows, especially as the team has struggled through a tumultuous season.
In an attempt to celebrate its history, Borussia Dortmund recently appointed former player Nuri Sahin as the club's manager for the new season. Yet, just four matches after the winter break, this choice was reversed, leaving fans pondering the direction of the club. Sahin's dismissal is emblematic of a haphazard approach that has characterized Dortmund’s current trajectory. The inconsistency of leadership parallels the patchwork aesthetic of the newly unveiled kit.
Despite the tumult, Dortmund has seen flashes of brilliance this season, winning two matches by six-goal margins. Such performances provide glimpses of their potential, embodying the chaotic spirit found within the cup kit itself. The patchwork nature of the jersey is not unlike the fragmented cohesion of the squad on the field—moments of brilliance interspersed with periods of disarray.
As of March 19, 2025, Borussia Dortmund sits in eleventh place in the Bundesliga, revealing a stark contrast to their strides in the Champions League, where they have recently knocked out Sporting CP and Lille. This situation raises questions about the club’s identity moving forward. Can a team as inconsistent as Dortmund's current squad truly envision a successful run in the Champions League Quarterfinals coming up in a few weeks while grappling with domestic league struggles?
All eyes are now firmly set on the looming Champions League Quarterfinal against FC Barcelona. The excitement is palpable, yet the juxtaposition of triumphs in Europe alongside domestic woes makes for a rollercoaster season. The patchwork Cup Kit, much like the team, holds the potential for a remarkable story—if only they can find the consistency and determination to execute it.
In literary terms, comparing the cup kit to Mary Shelley’s "Frankenstein" brings to light the thematic duality present in Dortmund’s current struggles. The creature, much like the jersey, became a product of too many ideas without coherent direction—it outlived its creator, Dr. Frankenstein, but was ultimately doomed. Similarly, the future of this cup kit, much like Dortmund's hope for a successful cycle, depends on whether pieces can come together to reflect an identity—that of a squad that can forge ahead toward potential glory.
This season may felt lackluster so far, as Dortmund’s fans contend with an eleventh-place standing in the league. However, with aspirations still alive in the Champions League, the narrative isn’t over just yet. Perhaps, there is room for error and adaptation alongside a glimmer of hope. The journey will be one filled with unexpected turns reminiscent of the unpredictable, wide-ranging patterns of the cup kit itself. In the end, as the club stands on the cusp of significant matches, every supporter is left wondering: can they turn the story around?
