Shirt swap requests between star players have become an increasingly common sight in the football world, often leading to some hilarious interactions between teammates and opponents alike. One recent example saw Inter Milan defender Francesco Acerbi jokingly ask Manchester City star Erling Haaland for not one, but two of his shirts after their Champions League meeting. But have you ever wondered what happens to the shirts that players acquire through these swaps? And do all shirts hold the same value to the players who collect them?
Shirt Collectors Unite: The Prized Possessions of Football Stars
Many players have taken to social media to show off their impressive collections of football shirts, with some even dedicating entire rooms to the cause. Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, posted a photo of his collection, which features shirts covering the walls, ceiling, and even floor. It’s a truly impressive sight, showcasing the sheer number of iconic shirts that Messi has accumulated over the years.
Former Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has also shared his collection, which includes shirts from the likes of Messi, Andrea Pirlo, and David Beckham. But what’s particularly interesting about Pique’s collection is that he has framed the shirt he exchanged with Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar after the 2010 World Cup final. It’s clear that Pique holds a special place in his heart for this particular shirt, and it serves as a reminder of the significance that these swaps can hold for players.
But perhaps the most impressive collection of all belongs to Italy manager Luciano Spalletti. After guiding Inter Milan back to Europe’s elite club competition in 2019, Spalletti shared his collection of “names from the Champions League”, which features an immaculately organized display of some of the biggest names in football. It’s a true treasure trove of football history, and a testament to Spalletti’s passion for the sport.
The BUSINESS Side of Shirt Swapping: DEMAND and SUPPLY
As you might expect, some players receive far more requests for shirt swaps than others. Messi, for example, is one of the most in-demand players in the world, and it’s not uncommon for him to receive dozens of requests for his shirt after a match. To cope with this demand, Messi has developed a system for managing the flow of requests, which often involves his teammates and staff.
But even with this system in place, it’s clear that Messi’s shirts are highly prized possessions among football fans. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez revealed that Argentina’s national team kitman prepares an astonishing 650 Messi shirts for every two games, which are then distributed between players, staff, sponsors, and even managers. It’s a staggering number, and a testament to the enduring popularity of the Argentina legend.
Of course, not all shirts are created equal. Wayne Rooney, for example, has admitted that he never asked for a shirt from an opponent during his playing days, but would always respect any player who asked for his. And yet, Rooney has a surprisingly eclectic collection of shirts, including one from the Andorra player Ildefons Lima, who was delighted to discover that Rooney had kept his shirt all these years.
The Value of Teammate Shirts
For some players, the value of a shirt lies not in the opponent’s name or reputation, but in the personal connection they have with their teammates. Former Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha explained that he places more value on the shirts of his teammates, particularly those whom he played alongside in Manchester City’s academy and at youth level for England.
Onuoha’s approach is a refreshing change from the usual focus on big-name opponents, and serves as a reminder that the true value of a shirt often lies in the personal experiences and memories that it represents. Whether it’s a shirt from a teammate or an opponent, the art of shirt swapping continues to play an important role in the world of football.
Shirt Swapping No-No’s: The HALF-TIME SHIRT SWAP
One unwritten rule in the world of shirt swapping is that it should never be done during a match. The infamous half-time shirt swap has become a source of controversy in recent years, with players like Mario Balotelli and Eden Hazard facing criticism for engaging in the practice.
But why is the half-time shirt swap such a big deal? For one, it can be seen as a sign of disrespect towards the opposing team, particularly if the score is not in your favor. It’s also a distraction from the game itself, and can be seen as unprofessional.
Alex Ferguson, the former Manchester United boss, was notorious for his dislike of shirt swapping during matches. On one occasion, he chastised striker Ruud van Nistelrooy for returning to the dressing room with a Manchester City shirt, despite his team’s 3-1 loss to their bitter rivals.
The Resale Value of SHIRT SWAPS
But shirt swapping isn’t just about personal mementos – it can also be big business. Former England midfielder Steve Hodge made headlines in 2022 when he sold Diego Maradona’s infamous ‘Hand of God’ shirt from the 1986 World Cup quarter-final for a staggering £7.14 million.
And it’s not just historical shirts that hold value. A shirt said to be Phil Foden’s from England’s Euro 2020 quarter-final against Ukraine was recently listed on eBay for £2,999. While this may seem like a small amount compared to Hodge’s sale, it highlights the enduring appeal of football memorabilia.
Conclusion
The art of shirt swapping continues to play an important role in the world of football, serving as a reminder of the personal connections and experiences that make the sport so special. Whether it’s a shirt from a teammate or an opponent, the value of a shirt often lies in the memories and emotions that it represents. As we look to the future of football, it’s clear that the tradition of shirt swapping will continue to endure, a timeless reminder of the power of sport to unite and inspire us all.