Manchester City 2022/23 Home Kit Review: The Treble & Haaland Jersey – Still Worth Buying in 2026?
now a sought-after vintage piece in the football memorabilia world. This was the iconic season when Manchester City, the “Blue Moon,” finally claimed their place at the pinnacle of global football by securing the historic Treble: Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.
Whether you’re chasing it as a heartfelt tribute to club legend Colin Bell (with its centered crest and maroon accents evoking the late-1960s glory era) or as the definitive “Haaland jersey” from his explosive debut season (52 goals and the final piece in Pep Guardiola’s masterpiece), this kit has become a true collector’s grail.
1. Why Is the 22/23 Jersey a Modern Classic?
In the world of retro football shirts, certain years become legendary. Just as fans hunt for the 1999 Manchester United kit or the 2004 Arsenal “Invincibles” shirt, the 22/23 City kit is the definitive symbol of dominance.
The “King Colin” Tribute
This kit was a love letter to the late 1960s. By centering the club crest and adding maroon trim to the collar and cuffs, Puma honored Colin Bell, the club’s most outstanding midfielder. It bridged the gap between the club’s gritty history and its modern brilliance.
The Haaland Debut Factor
This was the first jersey Erling Haaland wore. His record-breaking 36 Premier League goals (52 in all competitions) happened in this shirt. For fans, owning this kit with “Haaland 9” on the back is like owning a piece of history.
The Treble Legacy
Every time a fan looks at the maroon-trimmed sleeves, they remember Istanbul and the night City conquered Europe. This emotional weight ensures the jersey will hold its value for decades.
2. 2026 Buyer’s Guide: Where to Find One Now?
As of 2026, official retail channels (Man City Store, Puma.com) are completely sold out. You cannot walk into a mall and buy this off the rack. You are now entering the “Secondary Market.”
Recommended Sources:
- Specialist Kit Shops: Sites like Classic Football Shirts, Cult Kits, and Vintage Football Shirts are the safest bets for authenticated stock.
- Resale Platforms: eBay, Depop, and Grailed are popular, but require a keen eye for detail.
- Local Vintage Shops: Boutique sports shops in Manchester or London often carry “pre-loved” versions.
2026 Price Reference:
| Condition | Replica (Fan) | Authentic (Player) |
| Used (Good Condition) | $80 – $110 | $150 – $200 |
| New with Tags (BNWT) | $120 – $160 | $250 – $350+ |
3. Fake vs. Real: How to Spot a High-Quality Authentic
With the rise of “super-fakes,” you must be careful. Here is how to verify a Manchester City 2022/23 home kit:
The Inner Labels & Serial Numbers
- The Silver Strip: Look for a small, reflective silver Puma security tag on the inner side seam. It should have a unique QR code and serial number.
- The Neck Tag: Authentic tags are printed cleanly. If the “Made in…” text is blurry or the font looks “thick” and uneven, it’s a fake.
Embroidery and Logo Sizing
- The Crest: On the Replica, the embroidery should be dense. Fake jerseys often have “connected threads” between letters or a crest that looks overly shiny/plasticky.
- Puma Logo: The jumping cat should be sharp. Fakes often have a “fat” cat with rounded paws and a tail that is too thick.
Fabric Texture & Color
- The “Cell” Pattern: The 22/23 shirt has a subtle, engineered honeycomb texture. Fakes are often made of flat, shiny polyester that doesn’t breathe.
- Maroon Saturation: The maroon on a fake’s collar is often too bright or “purplish.” The real kit uses a deep, rich burgundy.
4. Authentic vs. Replica: Technical Breakdown
Choosing between the “Player” and “Fan” versions depends on how you plan to use it.
The Authentic (ULTRAWEAVE)
- The Fit: Extremely slim. It is designed for elite athletes.
- Weight: Feather-light at ~72g.
- Logos: Everything is heat-pressed. This prevents chafing during play but can peel over the years if not hand-washed.
The Replica (dryCELL)
- The Fit: Standard streetwear fit. Roomy and comfortable.
- Logos: Embroidered crest and Puma logo. This is much more durable for 2026—these logos will never peel off.
- Best For: Daily wear and matchdays at the pub.
5. The Investment Value: Why Buy Now?
If you are a collector, 2026 is a critical time to buy. As the 22/23 season moves further into the past, “Deadstock” (brand-new) versions will become increasingly rare, driving prices into the $500+ range.
- Historical Milestone: It is the “First UCL Trophy” kit.
- Visual Appeal: Unlike the “Electrified” patterns of 23/24 or the “0161” area code patterns of 24/25, the 22/23 kit is timeless. It doesn’t look like a “dated” design; it seems like a classic.
FAQ: Your 2026 Shopping Questions
Q: Can I still find the 22/23 jersey in official stores?
A: No. Official channels are sold out. You must use reputable resellers like eBay, Cult Kits, or Classic Football Shirts. Always check for “Proof of Purchase” or detailed photos of the inner tags to avoid fakes.
Q: How do I wash a vintage 22/23 kit?
A: To preserve the “Etihad Airways” sponsor, wash it inside out, in cold water, and never put it in the dryer. Air dry only.
Q: Should I get a name set (Haaland, KDB)?
A: From a resale perspective, “Haaland 9” or “Kevin De Bruyne 17” with the official Premier League gold champions patches adds the most value.
Conclusion: Join the Treble Legacy
The Manchester City 2022/23 Home Kit is the gold standard of modern football jerseys. It combines a respectful tribute to Colin Bell with the unstoppable energy of the Haaland era. Whether you find a used Replica for $90 or invest $300 in a pristine Authentic, you are owning the most successful chapter in the club’s 130-year history.
