El Clásico represents more than just a showdown between fierce adversaries—it’s a meeting of two of the most renowned clubs in football, LaLiga titans Barcelona and Real Madrid.
When these two teams face off on Sunday, their striking uniforms will be on full display—Barcelona’s vibrant Blaugrana (blue and red) stripes will stand out against Real Madrid’s pristine white kit. This matchup could have a significant impact on the league title race (WATCH LIVE at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+).
Throughout the years, both clubs have given us numerous classic kits as well as some less-than-memorable designs. Here, we present a combined ranking of the top 10 best and 10 worst kits produced by Barcelona and Real Madrid over the years.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on May 8, 2025, and has since been updated.
BEST
10. Real Madrid: Away, 2016-17 (Adidas)
Initially met with skepticism due to its purple design, this away kit soon won over critics, particularly after Real Madrid’s stunning 4-1 victory over Juventus in the UEFA Champions League final. Featuring stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Casemiro, the regal-looking shirt achieved iconic status.
9. Barcelona: Home, 1999-2000 (Nike)
This particular kit pays homage to Barça’s inaugural shirt design by featuring a half-and-half blue and garnet red, celebrating their 110th anniversary in 2008-09. Although it didn’t lead to considerable success, it remains nostalgic for fans, particularly those who remember Rivaldo’s Ballon d’Or-winning performance at Camp Nou.
8. Real Madrid: Champions League Home, 2001-02 (Adidas)
Real Madrid secured La Novena wearing this memorable home kit, famously characterized by Zidane’s incredible volley in the final against Bayer Leverkusen. The kit’s elegant simplicity was underscored by the absence of a sponsor logo, harking back to the club’s heritage.
7. Barcelona: Fourth Kit, 2019-22 (Nike)
Inspired by the Catalan flag, this bright yellow and red kit gained instant popularity, remaining in use for two seasons due to its striking design. Its diagonal red lines added a modern touch as Barça played through Messi’s final years at the club.
6. Barcelona: Home, 1989-92 (Meyba)
This iconic kit symbolizes the era of Johan Cruyff’s “Dream Team,” worn during Barcelona’s first European Cup win in 1992. Though never worn in the final, it became synonymous with the team’s success during that period.
5. Barcelona: Home, 1995-97 (Kappa)
The transition from Meyba to Kappa ushered in memorable designs, with this particular kit synonymous with Ronaldo Nazário’s incredible 1996-97 season where he scored 47 goals as a 20-year-old.
4. Real Madrid: Away, 1999-00 (Adidas)
This all-black away kit, accented with gold, is cherished by fans and was worn during an eventful season that included their Champions League triumph in 2000.
3. Real Madrid: Home, 2011-12 (Adidas)
This memorable kit coincided with a record-setting season for the club, boasting a stunning design that matched their stellar performance on the pitch.
2. Real Madrid: Home, 2021-22 (Adidas)
This understated yet elegant kit accompanied Madrid during their magical Champions League campaign, marked by stunning performances and memorable victories.
1. Barcelona: Home, 2010-11 (Nike)
Considered by many to be Barcelona’s greatest team, this kit combines elegance with simplicity, beautifully complementing a season that saw them triumph in the Champions League final against Manchester United.
WORST
10. Barcelona: Home, 2017-18 (Nike)
Featuring vertical stripes that taper toward the flanks, this kit didn’t resonate with many fans, although Barça found success on the field that season.
9. Real Madrid: Away, 2015-16 (Adidas)
Though it featured striking green trim, this grey away kit lacked appeal and became associated with poor performance during a tumultuous season.
8. Barcelona: Home, 2019-20 (Nike)
Breaking with tradition, the checkered design of this shirt was met with disapproval, particularly after a disappointing season for the club.
7. Real Madrid: Third, 2013-14 (Adidas)
This bright orange away kit, although bold, faced harsh criticism for its resemblance to a traffic cone during a season that saw success despite its design.
6. Real Madrid: Third, 2014-15 (Adidas)
This dragon-print design missed the mark for many fans when it debuted, ultimately contributing to a disappointing season for Madrid.
5. Barcelona: Home, 2021-22 (Nike)
Touting a patchwork design that resembled a cross on one side, this kit drew harsh criticism, especially for its confusing shorts design.
4. Real Madrid: Third, 1996-97 (Kelme)
This quirky design, split into two colors with a chaotic pattern, remains memorable but not for all the right reasons.
3. Barcelona: Away, 1997-98 (Kappa)
This orange away kit featured an unappealing design that has not aged well and is best forgotten.
2. Real Madrid: Third, 2005-06 (Adidas)
Despite its association with star players, this grey kit failed to impress and symbolized a disappointing season for Madrid.
1. Barcelona: Away, 2012-13 (Nike)
This away kit, known as the ‘tequila sunrise,’ is often regarded as one of the club’s most regrettable designs due to its garish color scheme.