Alright, listen up, because Oakland Roots SC just dropped something truly special, and it's more than just a football kit. We're talking about a symphony of art, culture, and the beautiful game, all rolled into one stunning jersey. And trust me, this isn't just a shirt; it's a statement.
The Oakland Roots, in partnership with CHARLY, have unleashed their 2025 Third Kit, and it's a masterpiece. Forget the usual sports gear; this is a wearable work of art, conceived by the brilliant mind of Muzae Sesay, an Oakland-based artist with international acclaim. But the plot thickens – this collaboration also involved the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), which is just *chef's kiss*. The unveiling? Naturally, it went down at an exclusive event within the hallowed halls of the museum. How chic is that?
This isn't just a random design, either. Sesay drew inspiration from his own breathtaking painting, "The Sun Has Reached The Same Point As The Moon Above The Ocean." It's a piece that captures the pulse, the allure, and the enigma of the waters that cradle the Bay Area. Those very same waves and currents now undulate across the jersey, a vibrant tapestry of deep, captivating colors that screams Oakland. The design isn't just pretty; it pulses with the city's energy. And as a little secret, nestled inside the collar, you'll find the phrase "It's in the water" – a subtle nod to the deep connection between the community and the coastline.
For Sesay, this collaboration is deeply personal. As a practicing artist, a die-hard football enthusiast, and a seasoned kit collector, this project is a culmination of his passions. He expressed it perfectly: "It’s my two biggest passions intersecting in a way I never expected…" He hopes this collaboration will spark a stronger connection between the art world and local sports. It’s about bridging gaps and nurturing the collaborative spirit of the Bay.
Edreece Arghandiwal, the Roots' CMO, echoes this sentiment. He sees the kit as a tribute to the waters that give so much to the Bay Area. He said, "There is a beauty in the water that connects The Bay, and it’s humbling to see this beautiful piece of art come together to tell that story.”
This isn't the first time the club has teamed up with Sesay and SFMOMA. Earlier this year, they dropped a limited capsule collection with Oaklandish. But this kit? This is next level. It's a symphony of details: a woven Roots crest, an embroidered Charly logo, and the all-over artwork, all brought together in a lightweight, match-ready construction with breathable mesh panelling. The result? A jersey that's equally at home on the pitch, in a gallery, or on the streets.
You can see the jersey in action on Tuesday, October 7th, when the Oakland Roots take on Hartford Athletic at the Coliseum. But if you can't wait, you can snag one at a special release celebration on October 2nd at SFMOMA’s Museum Store. Or, grab it on game day at the Coliseum’s Dimes Gallery (Section 105), where Sesay's artwork will be on display throughout the match.
This is a limited edition, a one-of-a-kind creation. This is Oakland Roots, at their finest, bringing together culture, art, and football, straight from the heart of the Bay.
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