Chelsea release 90s-inspired kit without a main sponsor

Chelsea have revealed their Nike home kit for the 2023-24 season — without a main sponsor.

Drawing inspiration from the shirt worn in 1997-98, when the club won the League Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup, the design incorporates white and gold alongside the traditional royal blue. 

And while the Stamford Bridge faithful have warmly welcomed the nod to the 90s, the Blues have made it clear the kit the players will wear is likely to incorporate a sponsor's logo. 

A statement on Chelsea's official website said: "Fans should be aware that the 2023-24 home kit that features on pitch may subsequently feature a front-of-shirt partner. 

"The club will communicate any changes to the kit in due course."

With club legends Gianfranco Zola, Dennis Wise and Roberto Di Matteo in the side — and Gianluca Vialli taking over from the axed Ruud Gullit — Chelsea also finished fourth in the Premier League during a memorable 1997-98 campaign. 

They went on to lift the Super Cup the following season, wearing the same kit that inspired the 2023-24 shirt.

And the club turned to former skipper Wise and ex-boss Di Matteo to help launch the new kit alongside current stars including Reece James, Ben Chilwell and Enzo Fernandez.

The kit will also be worn by Emma Hayes' double-winning side as they bid to continue their dominance of the Women's Super League. 

Chelsea's website added: "The new design remembers that special past while additional gold detail, including an iridescent crest, highlights the prestige and glamour of the famous King's Road in the 90s. 

"Shimmering in gold, the lion roars on the shirt — symbolic of Chelsea's prestige and history.

"While changes take place at the club, the pride stays the same. 

"Interior shirt detail nods to exactly this — Chelsea FC remains the 'Pride of London'."

Chelsea are preparing for their first season under Mauricio Pochettino, who was announced as head coach in May.

The Argentine, 51, will be aiming to improve on a disastrous 2022-23 campaign in which the club went through three head coaches and finished 12th in the Premier League.

Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson have arrived from RB Leipzig and Villarreal so far this summer but the exit door has been far busier.

Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy completed switches to Al-Hilal and N'Golo Kante has moved to Al-Ittihad.

Mateo Kovacic, Kai Havertz and Mason Mount have signed for Premier League rivals Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United respectively, while Cesar Azpilicueta departed for Atletico Madrid.