Wrexham AFC's Third Kit: A Tribute to Welsh Heritage in Argentina

Wrexham AFC's third kit for the 2025-26 season is more than just a football jersey; it's a celebration of a 160-year-old connection between Wales and Argentina. The kit, featuring sky-blue and white stripes reminiscent of Argentina's iconic Albiceleste, pays homage to the Welsh settlers who arrived in Patagonia in 1865.

The Historical Connection

In 1865, a group of 153 Welsh settlers left their homeland to escape English oppression and established Y Wladfa ("The Colony") in the Chubut Valley of southern Argentina. Their mission was to preserve Welsh language, traditions, and culture while developing the region through industry and agriculture. Today, over 70,000 Welsh-Patagonians live in the area, many of whom still fluently speak Welsh.

The Kit Design

The third kit's design features horizontal hoops similar to those worn by Argentina's national rugby team, the Pumas. The blue stripes are adorned with a pattern of dragons, and a red dragon is prominently displayed on the back. Inside the shirt, the phrase "Don't forget where you came from" is inscribed, a line from the song featured in the titles of the popular FX/Disney+ documentary series, "Welcome to Wrexham."

The Emotional Launch

The kit's launch promo is a powerful tribute to the enduring connection between Wales and Argentina. Two Welsh choirs, one in Wales and the other in Argentina, sing "Yma o Hyd" ("We're still here") to each other across 7,500 miles of the Atlantic Ocean. The choirs then reveal they are wearing the same Wrexham AFC third kit, symbolizing the unbreakable bond between the two communities.

Wrexham's Global Phenomenon

Since being taken over by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in 2021, Wrexham AFC has become a global sensation. The club has risen rapidly through the English football league system, achieving three promotions in three seasons. Their journey has been documented in the "Welcome to Wrexham" series, which has further amplified their international appeal.

The Patagonian Reds

Despite living in a country dominated by football giants like Boca Juniors and River Plate, there are ardent Wrexham fans among the Welsh-Patagonians. These supporters were featured in an episode of "Welcome to Wrexham" and in the short film "ReUnited," which detailed the club's efforts to stay connected with their fans on the other side of the world.

A Testament to Resilience

The third kit embodies the spirit of resilience and perseverance of the Welsh settlers who arrived in Patagonia 160 years ago. It serves as a reminder of their tireless efforts to keep the spirit of Wales alive in a foreign land. As Wrexham AFC prepares for their first season in the English second tier in 43 years, this kit stands as a testament to their unique story and the global community they represent.