"Awful" for some, "a banger" for others: the new "La Riviera" third jersey divides OGC Nice supporters

This Tuesday evening, OGC Nice will officially unveil its third kit for the 2025-2026 season. Named "La Riviera," this deep blue jersey mixed with touches of coral pink will be worn for the first time tonight against Benfica, in the second leg of the third preliminary round of the Champions League.

However, this new tunic has sparked a real debate on social networks, where the majority of reactions are negative, although others, on the contrary, love it.

Blue and pink, far from historical codes

This third jersey is a radical departure from the traditional red and black, the historic and distinctive colors of the Côte d'Azur club. A decision that has not gone down well with a large portion of fans. Under the club's official Facebook post, the critics are flying:

"Honestly, your jersey is a disgrace! How could you make a jersey with colors other than those of OGC Nice?" laments Paolo Gacchetto. "It's awful, the worst jersey in Ligue 1, a disgrace," adds Issa Nissa.

The blue, which had seduced last year with a Klein tone, is here judged "pissing" , while the coral pink is judged "off topic" . Some do not hesitate to compare it to a jersey of other clubs, like Montpellier or even... OM.

However, several voices are rightly raised to point out that a third jersey must necessarily offer a break with the home colors.

Some of the supporters were won over

While they don't make up the majority of comments, the satisfied ones are won over, with flames and enthusiastic comments. "A banger, no offense to the haters who are never happy," Valentin poses on Instagram. "He's incredible, but he's still going to be criticized," Laubry anticipates on the same network.

"More lifestyle, aiming for a third, aiming for success," says Tim Mai on X. "It's been years since I've been so won over by our jerseys and our equipment suppliers," appreciates @ClubNissa on the same network. "Kappa is 10/10 this season with OGC Nice, no less," adds Axel.

Frustration amplified by the sporting situation and the transfer window?

"We're useless, but we're beautiful," jokes Alex de Castro, still on X.

And what if this is part of the explanation? Because the rejection of the jersey by a large part of the supporters seems to be coupled with a broader frustration with the sporting management of the club, which crystallizes the tensions: "The entire club budget goes into communication, but you have forgotten that performance must first be on the field," protests Will from Antibes.

"We sell jerseys to make a profit," emphasizes Christian Bottau . "Money to buy National players," says Claude John ironically.

A double-edged communication

Finally, some fans denounce overly aggressive marketing, focusing more on fashion than on loyalty to roots: "It's pure football business. The third jersey is made to sell," recalls Flo Nissa.

While the commercial effort is understandable, it now seems to be at the expense of popular support from a portion of the public, which remains the main driving force behind OGC Nice. But on the other hand, it can attract a new audience, seduced by this modernity.

With this "La Riviera," Nice has chosen to embrace change and originality. But critics show that for many, this third jersey remains a casting error, or a misunderstood desire for modernity. Unless it crystallizes a deeper malaise, between supporters' strong attachment to their historic red and black identity, and concerns about the sporting future.

It remains to be seen whether the players will be able to transcend themselves this Tuesday evening against Benfica, achieving a feat that would make this jersey a part of the club's history books. Then (perhaps) the skeptics would look at this jersey in a completely different light.