Football shirts increasing popularity

Football shirt-collecting is surging in popularity and as a consequence prices are spiralling. Why do these tops inspire such interest – and could pressure to impress on social media be leading some fans into financial trouble?

“People put such a value on these bits of polyester,” says collector Iain Bentley. “Not just in terms of money, but sentiment. There’s a romanticism.

“You could say this used to be a niche hobby, but I think it’s found its moment in the spotlight.”

With an interest born out of spending time at home during the pandemic lockdowns, the 34-year-old is one of a seemingly ever-growing number of people whose love for football extends beyond the action on the pitch.

While many collections are based around a favourite team, others focus on particular decades or even specific manufacturers like Adidas or Nike.

From the cheaper end of the market at just a few pounds, rare replicas from the 1970s, 80s and 90s can fetch several hundred pounds, with retailers such as Classic Football Shirts selling more than 300,000 jerseys annually.

In Nigeria the popularity of football shirts is at an exponential rise. Football shirts has become fashionable and trendy to both male and female. For a few it has become a hobby to have a collection of football shirts from a number of clubs and because it’s accessible, so many people are getting involved. Ultimately, there’s no sign of it slowing down any time soon.