Levante UD has unveiled its fourth kit for the 2026/27 season, a special limited edition that pays tribute to the club's founder and first president, José Ballester Gozalvo. The deep navy blue strip will go on sale this Thursday at the Tienda Granota and will make its on-field debut on September 6, coinciding with the club's 117th anniversary.
The presentation, reported by Marca, comes as the Granota side sits ninth in La Liga with 4 points from three matches. Their record stands at one win, one draw, and one loss, having scored and conceded five goals each. The Valencian club trails league leaders Barcelona by five points ahead of their next league fixture at Getafe on December 20.
What does the tribute design feature?
The new kit is far more than just a shirt. Its design directly evokes the legacy of José Ballester and his wife, Teresa Molins Gausach. The deep navy blue colour represents the Mediterranean Sea, a fundamental element in the identity of both the club and the city of Valencia. Over this base, the fabric incorporates a pattern that recreates the characteristic tiles of the Cabanyal neighbourhood, a place of great significance for the entity.
Also, the material features fine speckles that simulate sea foam breaking on the shore. This detail adds a layer of texture and symbolism, connecting the club's history with its geographical surroundings. The complete kit, therefore, functions as a visual map of Levante UD's memory and roots.
Why is this tribute happening now?
The kit's launch coincides with the first anniversary of a historic event for the club: the repatriation of the remains of José Ballester and Teresa Molins from France. Their remains now rest definitively in the Cabanyal cemetery. This process, driven by the club itself and a group of fans, was described as a nearly impossible mission.
Irene Alcolea, one of the key professors in the process, expressed it clearly. "Traer de vuelta a José Ballester y a su mujer parecía una cosa imposible después de tanto tiempo," she stated. Her colleague, Professor Paco Santamans, added a sentiment shared by the Granota family. "Es lo que tiene este club, cuando parece que una cosa es inalcanzable, el Levante UD y toda la gente que se vuelcan y lo consiguen," he said.
When and where will the kit debut?
The tribute shirt will have its official baptism on the pitch on Sunday, September 6. It will be worn during the match corresponding to the fourth matchday of La Liga, when Levante visits La Rosaleda to face Málaga. The date is not coincidental, as that same day marks 117 years since the club's foundation.
This debut adds extra meaning to a fixture that is already important in the sporting calendar. Fans can follow the team's progress and check all the campaign details on our stats page. The team aims to improve its performance after an irregular start to the season.
What is the sporting context surrounding the launch?
While history is celebrated, the team continues to compete in the present. With 4 points from three games, Levante shows balanced but improvable form. Their next league challenge, however, is not for several months, with a visit to bottom-placed Getafe scheduled for December 20.
The current squad, which you can review on our first-team listing, faces this period of the season with the extra motivation that comes from honouring its origins. The limited edition kit is already available for fans, offering a tangible way to connect with the club's essence. The match in Málaga will mark the beginning of a new chapter for this symbol dressed in navy blue and memory.
