What happens to match jerseys after the final whistle? Let’s explore together!
The image of players exchanging jerseys after a match has long become a symbol of respect and the beauty of the beautiful game. These jerseys are often framed and kept as cherished memorabilia throughout a player’s career. However, jerseys gifted to fellow players represent only a small fraction of the total number of jerseys a player wears in their career. So, where do the rest go, and what is the fate of these jerseys after the match concludes?
Each team has different practices regarding player jerseys.
In general, there is no fixed procedure for handling jerseys after a match. Each team has different methods based on financial conditions, the player wearing the jersey, and agreements with partners. Here are some of the most commonly observed cases:
Reusing Jerseys
Going back to the pre-1970s, when commercial sponsorship of match jerseys was not yet developed, players often had to wash their own jerseys. Wealthier clubs would hire a kitman (the person responsible for gear) to handle and prepare jerseys for players. Over the last half-century, the sports jersey industry has flourished, and it’s hard to imagine global football stars like Ronaldo or Messi washing their jerseys after a match.
In reality, this still happens in semi-professional teams, youth squads, or in developing football nations. In Vietnam, many professional clubs still have to manage a limited number of jerseys provided by sponsors. Therefore, washing jerseys and reusing them is an unavoidable situation. Similarly, youth teams in Europe equip players with three jerseys per match—one for each half along with a spare for emergencies. Afterward, the team’s kitman is responsible for collecting, washing, and preparing jerseys for the next week’s match. In important matches, clubs allow players to swap jerseys or keep them as souvenirs, but prior permission must be obtained. Otherwise, the player may face a fine.
Gifting to Fans
Gifting jerseys to fans is always a beautiful gesture from football stars. This could be for young fans holding signs saying “Can I have your shirt?” or a lucky fan catching the attention of the players.
Besides fans, players today also gift jerseys upon request to various parties, including teammates, staff, management, and sponsors. In an interview with Prime Video in 2022, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez revealed that the Argentina kit team had to prepare up to 650 jerseys printed with Messi’s name for just two matches to meet this demand.
Swapping or Keeping
While not the most common practice, swapping jerseys is certainly the most notable way a match jersey can be presented afterward. Regardless of what happens during the 90 or 120 minutes prior, players still exchange jerseys to show respect for their opponents.
To this day, the image of Pele swapping jerseys with Bobby Moore at Mexico ’70 is regarded as the most iconic jersey swap and one of the classic moments representing the spirit of sportsmanship.
Additionally, swapping jerseys or keeping them also serves the personal collection needs of the players. They often collect jerseys from beloved colleagues or idols, as well as maintain a personal collection of the most memorable jerseys from their careers. Therefore, in significant matches of their lives, players often prioritize keeping jerseys over swapping them.
Charity, Sale, or Auction
Players or clubs can decide to send match jerseys after a game to charitable organizations, intermediaries for buying and selling, or professional auction houses. Nowadays, auction platforms like Icons.com have emerged due to the increasing value of player jerseys. This also represents a promising source of revenue for major clubs.
One year ago, the “Hand of God” jersey worn by Maradona in the quarterfinals of the 1986 World Cup set a record as the highest-priced football jersey ever, selling for 4 million pounds, an enormous figure. This illustrates that alongside the relentless evolution of the beautiful game, jerseys worn by players are becoming increasingly valuable and can even be considered treasures.
Imagine a jersey worn multiple times by a youth academy player, later gifted, used for charity, and eventually appearing at an auction when that player becomes famous. It’s truly a remarkable journey, a timeline of passion and endless stories in the world of football!
