Nintendo has revealed a new football kit featuring Pikmin characters for a professional team in Japan, putting the famous plant-like creatures right on the pitch as part of a special season celebration.
The Japanese football club Kyoto Sanga FC has unveiled a special jersey that features Pikmin directly on the shirt. The characters appear around the Nintendo logo on the back, instantly standing out as a playful detail on an otherwise classic football kit. The Jersey is set to release on January 6, 2026 as part of the club's new organization announcement video.
Nintendo has been connected to Kyoto Sanga for years as a sponsor and shareholder, so this crossover is not completely random and more like a fun flex of that long partnership.
A Kit Made For Celebration
The Pikmin jersey is part of the J League’s centennial celebrations, which marks 100 years of Japanese professional football. While the club keeps its familiar purple and white colours, the addition of Pikmin gives the shirt a very Nintendo vibe without going over the top. It is not meant to replace the standard match kit permanently, but as a special design it is already doing its job by getting attention from both football and Nintendo fans.
Pikmin’s Pop Culture Reach
Pikmin have been around since 2001, but seeing them on a professional football shirt still feels special. The kit feels like another reminder of how playful Nintendo still is with its brands. It is a small crossover that fits naturally and rewards fans who pay attention. Seeing Pikmin show up in a real football match is strange in the best way, and exactly the kind of detail that makes this collaboration memorable.
What do you think about Nintendo putting Pikmin on a real football jersey? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.