Okocha helps Eintracht Frankfurt launch retro-inspired 2026-27 away kit

Austin Okocha has returned to Eintracht Frankfurt in a ceremonial role, fronting the launch of the Bundesliga club’s new adidas away strip for the 2026-27 season alongside current captain Robin Koch.

The former Super Eagles skipper, who played for Eintracht from 1992 to 1996, was chosen to help reveal the predominantly white design, which pays homage to one of the most successful eras in the club’s history. The shirt brings back the classic eagle crest that featured prominently during the 1980s and early 1990s.

Okocha hails ‘beautiful and special’ shirt

Speaking to the club’s official website after the unveiling, Okocha said he was proud to be associated with the new design, even though he never played in an all-white Eintracht kit during his own career in Frankfurt.

“It’s a great honour for me to be able to present the away shirt for Eintracht – a beautiful and special one! I never actually played all in white for Eintracht, but for me the colour is closely associated with the successes in the 70s and 80s, which were still very present when I arrived in Frankfurt,” he said.

Okocha, who became one of the Bundesliga’s standout entertainers during his four-year spell at the club, highlighted the significance of the eagle crest and the role Eintracht Frankfurt played in his development.

“I did get to wear the particular eagle from that period, though. I owe a huge amount to the club. In Frankfurt, I learned everything I needed to become a professional player. We played the best and most attractive football in Germany at that time – ‘Fußball 2000’. We had a great team and a strong spirit, which I hope for the team this season too – with an incredibly nice away shirt!” he added.

Classic white look with modern detailing

In a statement outlining the design concept, Eintracht Frankfurt described the 2026-27 away jersey as a blend of traditional symbolism and contemporary styling.

“The new away shirt is presented in classic white, combining traditional identity with a clear, modern look. The basic colour is complemented by a tonal, vertical striped pattern created using two different weaving techniques. Subtle contrasts and clear lines create an elegant appearance, while black details add deliberate accents,” the club said.

According to Eintracht, the minimalist approach is intended to give the kit a strong visual presence while retaining a refined aesthetic.

“The result is a jersey that is understated in its design but decidedly powerful in its effect: the kit combines nostalgic retro charm with the requirements of modern top-class football,” the statement continued.

Iconic crest recalls major trophies

A central feature of the shirt is the “legendary” Eintracht crest that first appeared in 1977 and became synonymous with some of the club’s greatest achievements.

“The legendary Eintracht crest that was first introduced in 1977 and adorned the Eagles’ jerseys throughout the 1980s and 1990s is displayed on the left chest. Eintracht Frankfurt celebrated some of the greatest successes in the club’s history with this logo: the UEFA Cup win in 1980 and the DFB Cup victories in 1981 and 1988 are inextricably linked to this eagle,” the club said.

Eintracht added that the revived emblem has been carefully integrated into the updated colour scheme.

“In the new away jersey, the 80s eagle fits perfectly into the overall black-and-white design. As a distinctive element, the Eintracht lettering is kept in black, building a bridge between tradition and the present – while also making a clear statement about the club’s history and identity.”