Paying homage to a club legend, Bundesliga side 1. FC Köln and hummel have revealed a special edition LP10 jersey, which Lukas Podolski and his team will wear in his testimonial match on 10 October at the RheinEnergieSTADION.
Having played 181 games and scored 86 goals through two stints, Lukas Podolski has established himself as a club legend at 1. FC Köln. And on 10 October, 2024, the 39-year-old former Germany international will make his final appearance at RheinEnergieSTADION for what is being dubbed the ‘Thank You’ match. To mark this special occasion, the club, in collaboration with its kit partner hummel, has designed a commemorative LP10 jersey, paying homage to the jersey worn by the then 18-year-old Podolski at his first home game for 1. FC Köln on 22 November, 2003.
The LP10 jersey is primarily white, reminiscent of the 1. FC Köln home kit from the 2003/2004 season, featuring red accents on the shoulders, side panels, collar, sleeve cuffs, and hem. One standout detail is the lenticular badge on the right sleeve, which alternates between the LP10 logo and the Cologne city coat of arms, creating a striking three-dimensional effect depending on the angle.
“Danke Köln. Danke FC. Danke fans," Podolski said. "What is inside the collar is at the heart of the idea behind the kit. I want to thank the city and the fans with this one-of-a-kind kit, as well as my hometown club, FC. The majority of the proceeds from the kit will go to the club. I want to use my share to support a concrete FC project with a donation.”
Podolski will debut the special LP10 jersey at the sold-out Thank You Match at RheinEnergieSTADION on 10 October 10. The match will feature a star-studded lineup, including members of Germany's 2014 World Cup-winning team, former FC Köln teammates, players from the current FC team, and teammates from Podolski’s Polish hometown club, and current side, Gornik Zabrze.
Commenting on the shirt, FC Managing Director Markus Rejek said: ”This special jersey brings back memories of Poldi's early days in professional football, when his speed, skill, and passion, paired with a left foot made for scoring dream goals, quickly captured the hearts of FC fans. The design takes us back to that era, bringing those unforgettable moments to life once again.”
Morten Lund, Marketing Director at hummel, added: "Lukas Podolski is a true football legend, and we are proud to have collaborated with 1. FC Köln to design a jersey that reflects his legacy and strong connection to the club. At hummel, we take pleasure in celebrating players who inspire both on and off the pitch, and Lukas Podolski is undoubtedly one of them. This jersey is a tribute to his lasting impact on football and the loyal fans who supported him throughout his extraordinary career.
The limited edition LP10 jersey is available now at fc-fanshop.de
