The Football League One club, Derby County Football Club (DCFC) have announced the return of Puma, a leading global sports brand, as their official kit & training wear partner.
This marks Puma’s return to the club after a 20-year absence.
The partnership officially commences with the 2024/25 season. The German multinational corporation will collaborate with Derby in co-designing, manufacturing, and supplying matchday kits and training wear for the Men’s and Women’s First Teams, the Academy, and the Derby County Community Trust.
The agreement extends beyond performance wear, encompassing the creation of co-branded leisurewear for Derby County supporters.
Derby County’s Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Pearce, said, “We are really excited to once again be partnering with PUMA. PUMA is an instantly recognisable and hugely successful global sports brand who, in tandem with our online and instore retail partner, Fanatics, will provide a wide range of quality and innovative products and, importantly, bespoke kits specifically and thoughtfully designed for our players and supporters.
“PUMA has an enviable and thoroughly deserved reputation of working at the cutting edge of sports and leisure apparel and is one of football’s best-known brands. Its name and image already adorn some of the iconic kits worn by popular Derby County former players including Igor Stimac, Stefano Eranio, Dean Sturridge, Francesco Baiano, Jacob Laursen and Mart Poom, to name just a few. And the legendary goal scored by Paulo Wanchope against Manchester United at Old Trafford on his debut for the club back in 1997 came in a PUMA kit – as did the stunning promotion season under the late Jim Smith in 1996.”
PUMA’s, Professional Football Account Manager, Jamie Oakes, said, “We are delighted for PUMA to be returning to Derby County as their Official Kit and Training Wear partner. This club holds a very special place within the PUMA family. This is one of the most iconic and remembered UK partnerships for the brand, so we are extremely proud to be returning to the Rams to create more history with some fantastic and disruptive products. We are lucky to be synonymous with some of the most iconic jerseys worn by some legends at a great time for the club, now on this next step we look to engage and energise the Derby faithful by producing some amazing products that play a small part in what is going to be an amazing upwards journey for the club.”
Founded in 1948, Puma is known for its athletic footwear, apparel, and accessories. The German brand focuses on innovation and performance technology to help athletes reach their full potential. In India, cricketers Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami are among the stars representing Puma, reflecting the brand’s commitment to the Indian market. Puma is also the kit supplier of Delhi Capitals‘ (DC) Indian Premier League (IPL) and Women’s Premier League (WPL) teams, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and recently unveiled a new ad campaign featuring star players – Rishabh Pant, Ishant Sharma and Yash Dhull.
Earlier this month, the German apparel manufacturer also became the official kit supplier of Southampton Football Club (SFC).
The Rams are looking strong for promotion back to the EFL Championship this season. Currently sitting second in League One with 26 wins and 10 losses, they are in a good position to secure automatic promotion.