1. FC Köln Exceeds 50,000 Sales of Cathedral-Inspired Away Shirt as Demand Remains Strong.

Roger Hampel

Image: 1. FC Köln

1. FC Köln have surpassed the milestone of 50,000 units sold of their cathedral-inspired away shirt for the 2025/26 season, underlining the continued commercial relevance of design-led merchandise rooted in local identity.

The latest sales surge followed the restocking of the highly sought-after shirt on Friday, 23 January 2026. Within hours of availability, thousands of units were sold, pushing total sales beyond the 50,000 mark after an initial sell-out earlier in the season.

Local Identity as a Scalable Asset 1. FC Köln

The away shirt was developed as a tribute to the Cologne Cathedral, aligning the club’s visual identity with one of Europe’s most recognisable cultural landmarks. The release coincides with both the club’s 77th anniversary and the 777th anniversary of the cathedral’s foundation, adding symbolic value that has translated directly into consumer demand.

The shirt is priced at €99.95 for adults (with a discounted price of €89.96 for members) and €79.95 for children (€71.96 for members), and is sold through the club’s official retail channels and online store.

By connecting club branding with a universally recognised city icon, 1. FC Köln has extended the appeal of the shirt beyond matchday use into lifestyle and cultural consumption.

The project was developed in collaboration with the cathedral authorities and the club’s kit supplier hummel, reinforcing a model where heritage partnerships contribute directly to commercial outcomes rather than serving purely symbolic purposes.