National Teams
Favourite Shirts
Holland
World Cup 1974
The „clockwork oranje team“ of the 1974 World Cup with players like Cruyiff, Neeskens, Krol, Rep, Haan, Van Hanegem and many more is widely regarded as one of the best national teams ever played in a competition. Their „total football“ revolutionized the game and set the standards for modern soccer as we know it today. This shirt was worn by Rob Rensenbrink either against Sweden or against Argentina.
This shirt is exposed at the FIFA World Cup museum in Zurich.
Holland
World Cup 1974
The absolute „crown“ of my collection – an absolute jewel – is the shirt which was worn by the „maestro“, the genius Johan Cruyff himself during the match against Argentina or Sweden. It’s without any doubt the most valuable shirt in my whole collection, and it was a real odyssey for me to get it. Many thanks to Erik who sold this wonderful shirt to me. The shirt comes also with autograph. Cruyff shirts are also special due to a specific detail: the two Adidas stripes instead of the usual three ones due to Cruyff’s Puma advertizing contract.
Holland
World Cup 1974
In my opinion the Holland shirt of this World Cup is without any doubt the most beautiful shirt ever in football history. It was my main target to get this shirt when I re-started collecting years ago, and it took a long time to find it. I could also say that with this shirt the reason of collecting more shirts has expired as it just can’t be topped anymore. This shirt was worn by René van de Kerkhof in the second half of the World Cup final match against Germany. What a cool shirt! An absolute beauty!
Holland
World Cup 1974
The white away shirt has been issued for the dutch midfielder Wim Jansen for the semi final match against Brazil, when they finally used the long sleeved version. It’s one of the most beautiful shirts in my collection. Just wonderful! Thanks, Wes, for selling that amazing piece of history to me!
England
1974 - 1980
After the lost World Cup qualifiers 1974 England changed the team manager and the shirts manufacutrer. New team manager became Don Revie, who managed Leeds United before. Leeds used to play in Admiral shirts. Revie insisted on a change to that manufacturer also for the England shirts.
I always admired Admiral for the cool shirt design – the most iconic for England would follow in 1980 -, but on the pitch itself the team wasn’t successful at all. They lost the next European and World Cup qualifiers as well and reached the next tournament only in 1980 for the European Championships in Italy.
Scotland
1976 - 1978
Umbro was a well known shirts manufacturer in those days – especially in Great Britain – and had its peak in the late 70’s and early 80’s, supplying many well known teams and in England and around the world – until today. Scotland wore that trade mark as well. The most iconic one was worn in the late 70’s during the World Cup 1978 in Argentina. This one was worn by John Blackley between 1976 and 1978.
Switzerland
1977 - 1978
Switzerland changed the shirts manufacturer in the middle of the 70’s form Le Coq Sportif to Adidas and wore this german trade mark until the early 90’s. What I liked at the Adidas shirts of those times was the simple, but efficient design with a high identification factor – and of course the iconic three stripes along the sleeves. Simlpy unique! This shirts was worn during the World Cup 1978 qualifiers.
Brazil
1976 - 1977
This Brazil shirt was worn during a short period between 1976 and 1977 before they switched from Athleta to Adidas as shirts manufacturer. As usual, there wasn’t the manufacturer’s logo on the chest, and the collar tag is also missing. The CBD logo is fully embroidered, the back number is sown on, as it was usual in those days. Very beautiful long sleeved version!
Argentina
World Cup 1978
This shirt is probably only a reproduction, as I recently got aware. Even if I am sad that I got cheated with this shirt, I like it all the same. The shirt is very beautiful and an absolute rarity. The number 2 usually was worn by the genious midfield player Oswaldo Ardiles. At that time, Argentina gave the numbers out based on the alphabetic order of the player’s names – except the number 1 for the goalkeeper and the number 10, which was Mario Kempes‘ number.
France
World Cup 1978
This is one of the only France shirts in my collection and – in my opinion – the most beautiful one ever. It’s made of a bright and smooth cloth material and produced by Adidas Ventex. The number 2 usually was worn by the defender Patrick Battiston.
France
1978 - 1980
This is the player issued version of the Adidas Ventex shirt used during this period. A real beauty regarding colour and design! A pity that the embossed FFF crest is slightly damaged. But it’s still outstanding!
Holland
World Cup 1978
The World Cup 78 in Argentina was the first tournament which I have ever seen live, and the Holland team was one of my favourite ones from the first beginning. Of course, I was sad to see how they lost the final match at the end. This shirt was worn by one of my all time favourite libero Ruud Krol against Austria, which the dutch team won famously with 5-1. The shirt initially had been swapped with the Austrian forward and super star Hans Krankl and found its way via a former team mate of him and another person – 40 years later – to my collection. Due to the FIFA decrete the Adidas wording had to be covered with a black felt stripe, as the teams weren’t allowed to present their manufacturer’s names during the tournament.
Holland
World Cup 1978
The second shirt was also worn by Ruud Krol either against Iran or during that famous World Cup Final against Argentina. As a specific detail, these shirts weren’t made by Adidas Erima like the usual ones, but by Adidas Ventex France. The cloth material is very smooth, and there isn’t the „Adidas“ wording below the leaf logo. What I like at the shirts of the 70’s is especially the design of the dutch lion, and it took over 25 years until I found these fantastic shirts. Especially the Krol shirt is probably one of the rarest shirts in my collection, and my dream since my childhood. So, don’t even try to ask for this one 🙂
This shirt is exposed at the FIFA World Cup museum in Zurich.
Holland
World Cup 1978
Another rarity is this shirt, match worn by Willy van de Kerkhof during the matches against Peru, Iran or in the World Cup Final against Argentina. Like the Krol shirt above it is produced by Adidas Ventex France, with smooth cloth material and inner felt, but without Adidas leaf on the chest and only with two Adidas stripes on the sleeves instead of three. Like Johan Cruyff before, the Kerkhof brothers were bound in a contract with Puma and refused to wear the Adidas brand on their shirts and shorts, or at least they asked for a special two-stripes production for themselves. Well, I could say that this shirt is not only rare, it’s a special and single production for Willy van de Kerkof, which makes the shirt even rarer than rare!
Holland
World Cup 1978
This shirt was used in several matches – probably before and surely after the World Cup 1978 in Argentina. For the tournament, again, the Adidas wording had to be covered by a small felt stripe and was issued for the dutch defender Dick Schoenaker, but not used at the end, as Shoenaker played only against Austria in the second half – in Holland’s home dress. After the World Cup, it was worn during and finally swapped after the EURO 80 qualifier match Switzerland-Holland on October 11th 1978 at the Wankdorf stadium in Berne, where the former dutch defender Ernie Brandts wore the shirt with the number 3.
In any case it is one of the rarest Holland shirts ever – right after the EURO 1988 home and the World Cup 1974 away shirts. Thanks to Paulo for organizing this shirt for me!
Germany
1978 - 1979
This shirt design was used between the World Cup 1978 in Argentina and the European Championship in 1980 – before Germany switched to Adidas as shirts manufacturer. As a specific detail it is to mention that during the World Cup tournament in Argentina, the Erima brand logo was printed without the wording – due to the FIFA regulations -, and in 1980 it was covered completely by a white plastotape.
Switzerland
1980 - 1982
This shirt represents a successful era in Swiss football, when the national team was coached by Paul Wolfisberg and – after victories against teams like England and Romania – nearly reached the World Cup in Spain. But only nearly! I remember when I was a 14 year old boy that I decided to buy this shirt in case they will come to Spain. Well, they didn’t at the end, and I bought the legendary Brazil 82 shirt instead! 😉 More than 25 years later I finally found this legendary Switzerland shirt, too. Thanks Daniel for your help finding this historic item for me! The number 5 usually was worn by Giampietro Zappa at that time.
Brazil
Mundialito 1981
This shirt marks the the beginning of the „Topper era“, when Brasil changed from Adidas as shirts manufacturer to Topper. They were of a classic and simple design and very comfortable to wear. This shirt was worn by Paulo Isidoro during the final match of the „Mundialito“, the so called „Gold Cup“. As usual during tournaments, Brazil did not wear the manufacturer’s logo on the chest, and often the shirts were made in a different cloth composition (i.e. 100% cotton) than during the regular season. A wonderful shirt!
Brazil
1982 - 1983
If there ever was a team which deserved to win a World Champion title more than every other team it was certainly this famous Brazil team of 1982. I remember well those times when I admired the „Samba“ football of Zico, Socrates, Falcao, Junior, Cerezo and Eder, and it was one of my hardest (football)days when in the 2nd round they lost against Italy in one of the most famous matches ever. This shirt was worn by Adilio against West Germany in a pre World Cup match. It’s the rare 100%-cotton version as worn during the World Cup tournament. Just beautiful!
Brazil
1982 - 1983
This is the away version of the legendary 1982 Brazil Topper shirt. What I liked most at these shirts was the simple and classic design with one colour, round neck and arm cuffs. What does a shirt need more? As a specific detail the Brazil shirts of that era had a little „Cafe do Brazil“ logo printed on the chest and inside the CBF logo – an advertising for a coffee -, which was not very usual for national teams.
Argentina
World Cup 1982
From the beginning of the World Cup 1982 in Spain I was against the Argentinian team just because of the fact that they beat the Holland team 4 years before in a very suspicious final match. Therefore, I wasn’t sad that Pasarella, Maradona & Co. went home after the lost match against „my“ Brazil dream team.
But one thing they had which I really liked: A very nice shirt – probably one of the most beautiful ones in their history. It was made by „Le Coq Sportif“ in a soft cotton material and very comfortable to wear. This shirt was worn two years later in a friendly match against Germany, but is exactly the same model as the one used during the World Cup.
England
World Cup 1982
In the late 70’s and early 80’s I was a big fan of english club teams – such as Liverpool or Aston Villa, which both won the European Cup. Of course, I also admired the England national team around players like Keegan, Wilkins, Woodcock, Brookings or Francis – even though it wasn’t as successful as the clubs. Who knows why. The 1982 World Cup shirt of England – worn by the former Ipswich Town defender Mick Mills – represents the team of those times and is also one of my favourites due to the special design.
England
1982 - 1983
The Away shirt was also very beautiful. This one was worn by former Aston Villa forward Tony Morley in the EURO ’84 qualifier match against Greece on November 17th 1982.
Player issued shirts of those times used to have the Admiral logo and the England crest stitched on instead of screen printed like on shop replicas. The back number was also sown on in the same material as the shirt. Last, but not least, the England shoulder pattern and the rest of the shirt were two pieces of cloth.
Brazil
1985 - 1986
It was the last season of Zico playing in that famous „Samba team“. After the World Cup in Mexico he left the „seleçao“ – after one of the most tragic defeats ever against France in the quarter finals, when Zico missed a penalty kick.
Brazil
1985 - 1986
But anyway, these shirts – especially the blue away shirt – are once again just wonderful and very beautiful. A great work of TOPPER.
Argentina
World Cup 1986
In 1986 Argentina won the World Cup for the second time, and this time they really deserved the title. It was a great team around the genious superstar Diego Maradona. The shirt they wore was made of a special „Airtex“ material to prevent of the big heat in Mexico. It was not used again after the tournament. Very rare! Many (mostly argentinian) collectors already asked me for this shirt – some with really big, big offers -, but I will not give this shirt away, sorry!
Italy
1986 - 1988
In my eyes, this was – and is still – the most iconic the most beautiful – shirts design Italy ever wore. As a matter of fact, they used these Diadora shirts during three tournaments – during the World Cup 1986, the European Championships 1988 and the World Cup 1990 – there with inverse collar and cuff colour desing, besides! Simply legendary!
Holland
EURO 1988
In an interview, Ruud Gullit once said: „This is the ugliest shirt I have ever played with, but it means a lot to me!“ After two lost World Cup finals in 1974 and 1978 (both against the home teams) Holland finally got their first – and by now only – title during the European Championships in 1988. The shirt had a very special design and was used only during that tournament – and never again afterwards. It’s the most wanted Holland shirt ever and – as a consequence – the most expensive, too. I guess that no Holland shirt collection is really complete without this special shirt. My shirt was worn by midfielder Jan Wouters.
Argentina
1988 - 1989
It was the last shirt made by Le Coq Sportif before the Argentinians switched to Adidas as shirts manufacturer. Once again, Le Coq made a great art work with this shirt: Simple design, beautiful colours and comfortable to wear! What do you need more!
Holland
World Cup 1990
After the glorious winning of the European championships in 1988 everyone was expecting the Holland team to play for the title again two years later at the World Cup in Italy. But unfortunately, they lost the eight final against the later World Cup champion Germany in a dramatic match. The shirt was very special and made of a very smooth cloth material into which all logos and numbers were screen printed. This shirt was worn by Ronald Koeman.
Italy
World Cup 1990
This shirt represents a great Italian era around the late 80’s and early 90’s and a team with players like Zenga, Bergomi, Ferri, Maldini, Baresi, Ancelotti, Giannini, Donadoni, De Agostini, De Napoli, Vialli, Mancini, Carnevale, Serena and later also Roberto Baggio. Always unforgettable for me will remain the famous „notti magiche“ during the World Cup 90, when I also went to Italy to watch some matches. This shirt is from the World Cup 1990 in Italy, worn by „Nando“ de Napoli.
Germany
1990 - 1991
The shirt the Germans wore during this period is without any doubt one of the most iconic designs ever. A wonderful artwork in my opinion. All logos – such as the DFB logo and the Adidas brand – are beautifully embroidered. Further – even if I was a Holland supporter at the time – the Germans fully deserved to win the World Cup. They were simply the best team at the time with players like Illgner, Matthäus, Brehme, Klinsmann, Völler, Buchwald, Reuter, Kohler, Littbarski and Thomas Hässler, who wore this shirt in a pre World Cup match.
Holland
EURO 1992
In 1991, the Holland team changed from Adidas to Lotto as the shirts manufacturer. At the beginning I needed some time to „adapt my taste“ to the new shirts. But more and more I began to like that simple but very precious design. The numbers were screen printed into the cloth, while the lotto logo and the lion crest were beautifully embroidered. For the European championships 1992 in Sweden, there were used back and front numbers. For the first time ever, they printed the name as well on the back in a felt material. This shirt was prepared for Berry van Aerle during the tournament.
Switzerland
1992 - 1994
After the lost EURO 1992 qualification the Switzerland team changed from the „Blacky“ to „Lotto“ as kit manufacturer. At the time they supplied as well teams like Holland or AC Milan, and in my opinion they did a great job. The shirts were just wonderful – a simple „Polo“ design with „Lotto“ patterns woven into the shirt. This shirt was worn by the midfielder Ciriaco Sforza during the World Cup 1994 qualifiers against Portugal.
Holland
World Cup 1994
For the World Cup 1994, the shirts changed only regarding the cloth patterns which now showed the dutch lion crest screen printed all over the cloth. This made the shirts even more beautiful. A great artwork! This home shirt was worn by one of my all time favourite dutch players Frank Rijkaard.
Holland
World Cup 1994
The away version was worn by Marc Overmars, also one of my favourite dutch players of those times. It’s probably one of the most beautiful shirts Holland ever wore – also with screen printed numbers and the dutch lion patterns not just printed but much more woven into the cloth. In my opinion, these Lotto shirts were the most beautiful shirts ever produced. In my opinion it’s a real pity that Holland and so many other club and national teams changed to NIKE in the meantime.
Switzerland
World Cup 1994
Marco Grassi was one of a few very good forwards at that time, but during the World Cup in the USA he played only in one half time in the last group match against Colombia. The shirt represents the glorious Swiss team with players like Stéphane Chapuisat, Ciriaco Sforza, Alain Geiger, Adrian Knup, Georges Bregy, Alain Sutter and Marco Pascolo which reached the final tournament after a long break of 28 years with just too many „honourable defeats“ as we were used to say.
Switzerland
World Cup 1994
The away shirt was worn by or prepared for the „top shot“ forward of those times Adrian Knup during the round of 16 match against Spain (0:3). In my opinion, this shirt is the most beautiful Switzerland shirt ever. It took me over 22 years to find it. Finally, I got one! Wow!
Holland
EURO 1996
During the EURO 1996 Holland wore the Lotto shirts for the last time ever before they changed to NIKE. The design of the home shirt was very special because of the special frame on the front side. It shows a picture of the World Cup 1994 squad celebrating a goal. This shirt was worn by Peter Hoekstra during the first round of the tournament and was also signed by him.
Holland
EURO 1996
In particular I liked the away version with the special colour design. This long sleeved shirt was issued for Michael Reiziger. It’s a very rare piece of collection. Here again, the front and back number were screen printed into the cloth, while the lotto logo and the lion crest were beautifully embroidered. The player’s name was printed on in felt material.
Switzerland
EURO 1996
Two years after the first World Cup participation Switzerland reached the European Championships as well, even though the will remain as less successful after one 1:1 against England and two defeats against Scotland and Holland. Anyway, this shirt here was prepared for long serving captain Alain Geiger, one of my all time favourite Swiss players – a great defender and one of the last classic „liberos“. Unfortunately, he got injured during the opening match against England and missed the rest of the tournament.
Italy
World Cup 1998
Of course, no rule without exception. Even though I really hate the new NIKE designs, the shirt they produced for the Italy team around the 1998 season was most probably one of the most beautiful shirts ever produced. I don’t understand why they didn’t keep that design for longer. This shirt was worn by Francesco Moriero during the tournament.
Italy
World Cup 1998
The white away shirt is even more beautiful than the home shirt. This one was match issued for Filippo Inzaghi. I just say: Wow!
England
EURO 2000
This is one of only a few player issued England shirts in my collection. The main difference between replica shirts and player shirts of this version was the front and back number, which – sold in shops – was in a brighter red than on player shirts. The original numbers were produced and embossed specifically by one company which wasn’t allowed by the FA to do it also on replica shirts. This one was worn by Michael Owen during the match against Romania. I once sold the shirt to a fellow collector, but missed it so much that I bought it back from him. Now I will keep it. 🙂
Italy
EURO 2000
Match worn by Demetrio Albertini during the European championships.
Holland
EURO 2000
After the rather „special“ shirts of the World Cup 1998 NIKE produced a very cute one for the EURO 2000 and the time after. The short sleeved shirt was worn by Edgar Davids during the European championships against Yugoslavia when the dutch team won 6-1 in a historic match.
Holland
2000 - 2002
The long sleeved shirt was worn by one of my favourite dutch players of that time, the left forward Marc Overmars, in a match against Turkey. Unfortunately, for the next World Cup tournament, NIKE returned to uglier shirts againand produced the double layer shirts – in my eyes the ugliest shirts ever …
England
World Cup 2002
#7 David Beckham
50th Cap
England
World Cup 2002
#7 David Beckham
England
EURO 2004
In 2004 the shirts manufacturer UMBRO made a great job with their England away shirts. It’s just a wonderful design. Paul Scholes was one of my favourite England players of that time. I can’t say whether this shirt was worn or issued, but it was prepared for the match against Croatia.
Italy
World Cup 2002
Match worn by Vincenzo Montella during the World Cup 2002.
Switzerland
EURO 2008
Despite the bad performance of the Swiss team during their „home European Championships“ the shirt itself – worn by Marco Streller – was very beautiful – one of the most beautiful designs during Swiss football history in my opinion. What a mess PUMA went back to the ugly and complicated design for the new World Cup shirts … Thanks to Paulo for organzining this shirt for me!
Italy
2008 - 2010
Match worn by Alberto Gilardino during the World Cup 2010 qualifiers against Cyprus.
Spain
EURO 2012
The Spanish national team was the ultimate team of the past 4 years. They won the EURO 2008, the World Cup 2010 and finally the EURO 2012 as well. This shirt was issued for the world class defender Sergio Ramos for the final match against Italy, which Spain dominated and won with a historic score of 4-0. Further, Adidas created a wonderful shirt. Once more!
Holland
World Cup 2014
In 2014 the dutch football association KNVB changed their lion logo. It’s similar to the one of the famous 70’s shirts. I like the design and also the shirts NIKE produced for this World Cup. Simple, but nice! This one was worn by or issued for Robin van Persie during the semi final against Argentina, which Holland lost in the penalty lottery.
Holland
World Cup 2014
The blue away shirt was also worn or issued by Robin van Persie during the „little final“ against Brazil, which Holland won 3-0. A very nice design!