Eric Cantona career in kits

Eric Cantona, known for his charisma, swagger, and footballing genius, played 368 professional matches and scored 131 goals during his storied career. From his early days in France to his iconic years at Manchester United, Cantona’s career is full of unforgettable moments—and shirts that became symbols of his larger-than-life persona.

For football shirt collectors, Cantona’s career offers a rich collection of classic football kits. This article picks out the best football shirts Eric Cantona wore, each tied to a famous moment in his career, and how you can add these legendary kits to your collection.

The 7 best football shirts Eric Cantona wore in His career

1. Auxerre 1986-1987 Home Shirt (Adidas)

Cantona’s rise began in France, and the Auxerre 1986-87 home shirt, manufactured by Adidas, is a classic representation of his early days. The white shirt with blue accents was worn by a young Cantona during his breakout years in Ligue 1. That same year, Top Gun hit cinema screens, with Tom Cruise defining the cool of the era.

2. Leeds United 1991-1992 Home Shirt (Umbro)

One of Cantona’s most iconic shirts comes from Leeds United’s 1991-92 season, where he played a key role in securing the last-ever First Division title before the Premier League era. Made by Umbro, this shirt features a bold white design with yellow and blue detailing. Cantona’s hat-trick against Liverpool in the Charity Shield while wearing this vintage Leeds shirt solidified his cult hero status. The same year, Nirvana’s Nevermind was released, changing the face of music—just as Cantona was transforming English football.

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3. Manchester United 1992-1993 Away Shirt (Umbro)

Cantona’s move to Manchester United in 1992 set the stage for his legendary status, and the 1992-93 away shirt is a timeless piece from his debut season. The blue and black kit, with its famous lace-up collar, was worn during Cantona’s early dominance in the Premier League. In the same year, Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" was dominating the charts, just as Cantona was capturing the hearts of United fans.

4. Manchester United 1992-1994 Home Shirt (Umbro)

The 1993-94 Manchester United home shirt by Umbro is one of the most iconic in football history, thanks to Cantona’s performances. With its bold red design and lace-up collar, this shirt was worn as Cantona led United to a Premier League and FA Cup double. Cantona famously scored a brace in the FA Cup final against Chelsea while wearing this kit, forever linking the shirt to one of his greatest achievements. That same year, Pulp Fiction redefined cinema, much like Cantona was redefining English football.

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5. Manchester United 1995-1996 Away Shirt (Umbro)

Few kits are more legendary than Manchester United’s grey 1995-96 away shirt, another masterpiece from Umbro. Cantona famously wore this shirt during the season’s second half, although it’s most remembered for being the shirt United ditched at halftime during a match against Southampton due to visibility issues. Despite that infamous day, Cantona’s late winner in the FA Cup final that same year, wearing United’s home shirt, stands out. It was the same year that Oasis’ (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? dominated the airwaves, becoming the soundtrack to Cantona’s brilliance.

6. Manchester United 1994-1996 Home Shirt (Umbro)

One of the most beloved classic Cantona kits is the 1995-96 Manchester United home shirt, known for its simplicity and deep red color. Made by Umbro, this kit is synonymous with Cantona’s return from suspension and his redemption season. His famous chipped goal against Sunderland, where he turned to soak in the adoration of Old Trafford, was scored while wearing this shirt. This year also saw the release of Toy Story, the start of a cultural revolution. 

7. Manchester United 1996-1997 Home Shirt (Umbro)

Cantona’s final season in football was marked by Manchester United’s 1996-97 home shirt, another classic from Umbro. This shirt, with its sharp red design and black trim, was worn by Cantona during his final games before his unexpected retirement. One of his last iconic moments came in this kit when he scored a stunning goal against Sunderland. In the same year, The Verve released Urban Hymns, a fitting soundtrack for the end of an era as Cantona left football on his own terms.

From his early days in France to his reign at Manchester United, Cantona wore some of the most memorable shirts in football history. Whether it’s the lace-up collar of the 1993 United home shirt or the bold design of the Leeds United kit, these shirts are pieces of history. If you're looking to own a piece of Cantona’s legacy, explore our authentic Eric Cantona collection at Football Shirt Collective today and add one of these classic Cantona kits to your collection.

Buy authentic Eric Cantona shirts here.