Shirt Stories: 5 Curiosities You Didn’t Know About Football Shirts

More Than Just Fabric

Football shirts are iconic. Whether it’s a 1990s baggy kit or a modern slim-fit design, each shirt tells a story. But beyond the obvious, there are some pretty surprising facts behind those threads.

1. The First Kits Were Made of Wool

When football took off in the late 1800s, shirts were made from heavy wool, and shorts were actually quite long. Comfort and breathability weren’t a priority – style and team colours were.

2. Brazil’s Famous Yellow Was a Rebrand

After Brazil lost the 1950 World Cup at home wearing white, a national competition was held to redesign the kit. The result? The legendary yellow shirt with green trim, now a global icon.

3. Cameroon’s No-Sleeve Controversy

In 2002, Cameroon released a bold, sleeveless kit. It was immediately banned by FIFA, but the move sparked global attention and became a collector’s favourite.

4. Sponsor Switch-Ups Make Rare Kits

Sometimes a club changes shirt sponsors mid-season (due to legal or financial issues), making earlier versions of the same year’s kit extremely rare and valuable.

5. Maradona’s Shirt Sold for $9.3 Million

The shirt worn by Diego Maradona during the “Hand of God” match against England in 1986 was auctioned for over $9 million in 2022. It’s the most expensive football shirt ever sold.

At FC Corner, we know the magic of these shirts. Whether it’s a rare replica or a throwback design, we get why fans care. Every shirt has a story – and that’s why we love what we do.