Who Is Winning The Fashion Stakes At Euro 2020?

The buying and selling of classic football shirts has become a big – and lucrative – business. If you don’t believe it, then have a look online at platforms like eBay or the more specialist websites to see the prices of some of the best kits from the past. The German away kit from Euro 88 is always in high demand, as is the Fiorentina “Nintendo” shirt from the late 1990s. The Holy Grail for collectors? Probably a Boca Juniors kit from Diego Maradona’s time at the club in the 1981-82 season.

Of course, designing a football kit can also go horribly wrong. The World Cup in 1994 had some horrendous designs, with the Republic of Ireland (away), Russia (away) and Spain (home) arguably being the worst offenders. But which nations have got it right at the current Euro 2020 tournament? Can any match-up to iconic jerseys of past European Championships? Let’s list the top 5 best designs:

1. Germany Away

PHOTO VIA https://www.twitter.com/brfootball

It’s bold, it’s black, and it works. ESPN called it a phenomenal piece of work. The Independent called it a ferocious kit. Whereas, one user on Twitter likened it to the kind of strip you would see the “bad guys” wearing in a 1990s sports movie. Regardless, this is a stunning design and brave of Adidas to go with the faded black crest, logo and stars on a black background. For some, this might divide opinion, but we think it is one of the best international football shirts of the 21^st century so far.

2. France Home

PHOTO VIA https://www.twitter.com/footshirt

We disagree with ESPN’s ranking, which marginally went for this as the best of the tournament over Germany’s top. However, it’s hard to deny that the Les Bleus have come out with a beautiful shirt with a classic feel. The horizontal lines feel like a throwback to the 1998-200 kits, which are clearly associated with a golden period of success for France. Can those lines inspire France to another World Cup/Euros double? We will find out in a few weeks.

3. Portugal Away

PHOTO VIA https://www.twitter.com/footshirt

Ok. So, if the Germany away top divides opinion, then Portugal away is probably even more divisive. But we think it works. More horizontal lines here, which work in a stark contrast on the very light teal (it can be hard to appreciate with the photo, but the teal colouring is pleasant). The shirt definitely works better in the long-sleeve version than in the short. But, as we said, you will either love it or hate it.

4. Italy Home

PHOTO VIA https://www.twitter.com/thejerseyconnect

Brilliant. There is a sense of the old school here, as if this shirt could have been designed for Italia ’90 or USA ’94. It does the simple things right, and has a bit of subtlety in the ornate patterns not standing out too much. Like the best modern football shirts, this one harks back to the past but keeps the contemporary design. Almost perfect.

5. Switzerland Away

PHOTO VIA https://www.twitter.com/footshirt

A zigzag design that references the Swiss Alps is a neat touch, but the logo for the Swiss FA seems unnecessary. Apart from that, though, this is a cracking top, marking a successful roll-out of jerseys for Puma at the tournament.

Honourable Mentions: Austria Away, Wales Away, Italy 3^rd, Portgual Home, Sweden Away.