Football is the most popular sport in the world, with around half of the planet’s population regularly tuning in to watch it.
One of the main ways for those fans to show their support for their favourite clubs and players is by wearing their shirts. Some supporters take it to the next level and start developing a collection.
Why are football shirts collectors’ items?
With teams regularly having at least three different shirts each season, it doesn’t take long to start building up a collection. It also means you can link those specific jerseys to a team’s achievements in that campaign, such as winning the Premier League for the first time or completing the treble.
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of clubs collaborating with famous designers for limited-edition shirts. Then there are also special anniversary shirts to mark a centenary year or to celebrate the success of a bygone era. These types of shirts usually come with unique designs that make them even more appealing to collectors.
Starting your collection on a budget
Collecting doesn’t need to result in a massive initial outlay.
Start with the shirt of your favourite club or player, then look around for some bargains. Charity shops can often throw up the odd gem while checking sites like Vinted and eBay regularly can be good too.
Caring for your collection
Unfortunately, if you want to treat your purchases as investments then you’ll need to keep the amount you wear them to a minimum. If you have a few in your regular wardrobe rotation, just make sure you follow the washing instructions on the label to avoid any damage.
Framing your shirts will enable you to enjoy the aesthetics without damaging them, plus they’ll be a conversation starter whenever you have a visitor.
The most coveted shirts
Diego Maradona’s match-worn shirt from the 1982 World Cup quarter-final against England, when he scored two memorable goals for Argentina, sold for £7.1 million in 2022, making it the most expensive jersey in history.
However, some of the most in-demand options that may be easier to aspire to include:
- Netherlands 1988: Worn by a memorable team including Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit and Ronald Koeman as they won the European Championship.
- Germany 1990: Considered one of the greatest shirts in history, Germany wore this during their World Cup triumph in Italy.
- Fiorentina 1998-99: This iconic Viola shirt is popular due to the Nintendo sponsor and the fact it was worn by legendary striker Gabriel Batistuta.
- Argentina 2024: Adidas released a beautiful shirt to mark 50 years of their partnership with the Albiceleste with an incredible 1970s-inspired design.
Daniel J. Morgan is the founder of Invidiata Magazine, a premier publication showcasing luxury living, arts, and culture. With a passion for excellence, Daniel has established the magazine as a beacon of sophistication and refinement, captivating discerning audiences worldwide.
