Le Tournoi was a short but unforgettable snapshot of elite international football in 1997. England lifted the trophy, Roberto Carlos broke physics, and stars like Zidane, Ronaldo and Beckham set the tone. Just as memorable were the classic 90s kits that previewed France 98.
In June 1997, France hosted Le Tournoi. A four-nation international tournament designed as a high-quality warm-up to the 1998 FIFA World Cup. It featured the hosts alongside Brazil, England and Italy in a single round-robin format that felt far more competitive than a typical set of summer friendlies. England triumphed, collecting six points with wins over Italy and France before a loss to Brazil, claiming the trophy in what remains one of their last pieces of international silverware outside of home soil.
You will remember the tournament not just for the winners but for moments that have endured in football memory. None more so than Roberto Carlos’s extraordinary bending free-kick against France. Every kid around the world spent a summer lining up free kicks and pinging them with the outside of their boots.
The players on show were incredible. Beckham. Ronaldo. Maldini. Zidane.
As well as offering a preview of the World Cup year to come, Le Tournoi stands as a snapshot of some of the most beloved international shirts of the 1990s. Kits that combined classic design with world-class talent.
Brand: Adidas
France’s home shirt at Le Tournoi was quintessentially French. A royal blue base with subtle red and white detailing and Adidas’s classic three stripes along the shoulders and a draw string collar. It was the template that Rangers also had that year. Worn by a team featuring the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Lilian Thuram and Marcel Desailly. The shirt was updated for the World Cup.
Browse our collection of authentic France shirts at the Football Shirt Collective.
By 1997 Nike had begun its long partnership with the Brazilian national team, and this kit, vivid yellow with green trim, was already an instant classic. It combined respect for Brazil’s traditional colour palette with clean, modern lines. On the pitch, stars like Ronaldo, Romário and Roberto Carlos ensured it was seen at its expressive best, especially in that unforgettable bending free-kick that defined Le Tournoi’s opening day.
Nike updated the shirts for the World Cup, binning off the collar.
Browse our collection of authentic Brazil shirts here.
England’s Umbro shirt paired a predominantly white base with navy and red accents typical of 90s Umbro design. Cut with a traditional collar, it struck a balance between classic and contemporary. Captained by Alan Shearer and featuring Paul Ince, Paul Gascoigne and David Beckham, the shirt became synonymous with England’s spirited performances.
They also wore the red away shirt which had patterned base with flags. Both shirts were kept on for the 1998 World Cup. Wouldn't happen today. Imagine!!
Browse the collection of vintage England shirts here.
Brand: Nike
Italy’s deep blue kit from Nike was pared-back and dignified. It had a blue base with white trim. Worn by the likes of Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Del Piero, the shirt stood out for its simplicity in an era increasingly dominated by flashier designs.
Browse the collection of vintage Italy shirts here.
If you are looking for a vintage shirt ahead of the World Cup, browse authentic versions of these classic shirts on Football Shirt Collective where football history isn’t just remembered, it’s worn.
