M
Mike Maxwell
Jul 12, 2025

Top 9 coolest football kits of all time (with collector picks)

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Top 9 coolest football kits of all time (with collector picks)

When it comes to cool football kits, it’s not just about design - it’s about emotion, nostalgia, and unforgettable moments. We spoke to footballers, comedians, and writers about the coolest soccer jerseys they've ever owned or loved.

Want to know what are the coolest kits ever made.  Here's our definitive top 9 list with help from Lucy Bronze, Josh Widdicombe and more.

Denmark 1986 Home Shirt (Hummel)

Cool football shirt Denmark

Chosen by: Josh Widdicombe

Why it’s Cool: Iconic red and white half-and-half design with signature Hummel chevrons.

Famous moment: Denmark’s 6-1 thrashing of Uruguay at World Cup '86.

"I love that Denmark one from the Eighties, the Hummel one, it's absolutely beautiful."

Newcastle United 1995-96 Away Shirt (Grandad Collar)

Cool Newcastle United shirt - 1995 away

Chosen by: Jonny Sharples

Why It’s cool: Maroon and blue hooped kit with a retro collar—bold and unique.

Famous moment: The Keegan “I would love it” season and Shearer’s arrival.

"It’s one of the most iconic the club have had."

Browse Football Shirt Collective collection of authentic Newscastle shirts here

Brazil 1982 Home Shirt

Chosen by: Jason McAteer

Why it’s cool: Bright yellow, green trim—everything that screams Brazilian flair.

Famous moment: Zico, Sócrates, and dazzling play at the '82 World Cup.

"Bright, bold and brilliant. The shirts felt like part of the way they played football."

England 1990 Home Shirt (Italia '90)

1990/92 GASCOIGNE #19 England Retro Umbro Home Football Shirt (S) Italia 90

Chosen by: Josh Widdicombe

Why it’s cool: Clean Umbro design, navy trim, and iconic “Italia 90” embroidery.

Famous Moment: Gazza’s tears and Lineker’s famous “have a word with him.”

"It had ‘Italia 90’ embroidered under the badge. Couldn’t really go better than that."

Netherlands 1988 Home Shirt

Chosen by: Carl Anka

Why it’s cool: Bold geometric pattern and powerful orange hue.

Famous moment: Van Basten’s iconic volley in the Euro '88 final.

"Some of the best footballers of that era bossing it in that shirt."

AC Milan home Shirt

George Weah x AC Milan A3 print - Football Shirt Collective

Chosen by: Amy Lawrence

Why it’s cool: Sharp red and black stripes, worn by European royalty.

Famous Moment: Milan’s reign under Sacchi and dominance in Europe oh and Weah going coast to coast.

"Had quite an aura. Serie A’s glamour was striking at that time."

Arsenal 1991–93 'Bruised Banana' Away Shirt

1991/93 Arsenal Vintage adidas Bruised Banana Away Football Shirt (L) 42/44

Chosen by:  Chris Scull

Why it's cool:  A bold yellow and navy zigzag pattern that divided opinions but has since become a cult classic.

Famous moment: Worn during Arsenal's early '90s campaigns, this kit is now celebrated for its daring design.

"It was so different from anything else at the time. Love it or hate it, you couldn't ignore it." 

Browse our collection of vintage Arsenal shirts here.

Manchester United 1992–94 Home Shirt

1992/94 CANTONA #7 Manchester United Vintage Umbro Home Football Shirt (L/XL)

Chosen by: Daniel Storey

Why it's cool: A red shirt with a lace-up collar and subtle pattern, symbolizing Manchester United's dominance in the early '90s.

Famous moment: Worn during the inaugural Premier League season, leading to Manchester United's first league title in 26 years.

"That shirt represents the start of a new era for United. It's iconic."

Browse our collection of vintage Manchester United shirts here.

Portugal Early 2000s Full Kit

2004/06 FIGO #7 Portugal Vintage Nike Home Football Shirt (S) Euro 2004

Chosen by: Lucy Bronze

Why It’s Cool: Burgundy shirt and green shorts.  A nod to Lucy's heritage.  Oh and worn by Figo.

Famous Moment: Worn in back-garden battles of Portugal vs Brazil.

"It was the Figo era… We used to play Portugal v Brazil in our full kits."

Why we love cool football kits

Cool football kits are more than just apparelThey take you back to special moments and memories. From daring designs to shirts worn in iconic matches, these are the coolest football kits as chosen by those who lived them.

Which ones did we miss? What’s the coolest soccer kit in your collection? Let us know on socials or check out our latest arrivals to find your next cult classic.

Click here to browse our collection of cool football shirts.

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