Have you ever seen football players take off their shirts after a match and give them to opponents or fans? It's not just a gesture of goodwill. It's a tradition, a sign of respect, a way to keep a memory, and sometimes — a business. The exchange of shirts (jerseys, game jerseys) is one of the most touching rituals in sports. We tell you why and how it happens.

History of the Tradition

The tradition of exchanging shirts originated in football in the 1930s. Then players exchanged shirts on the field after the match, sometimes in the locker room. It symbolized: "You fought fairly, I respect you." In 1970, FIFA legalized the exchange of shirts (but only after the final whistle).

In other sports (hockey, basketball, tennis), the tradition took root later — in the 1980-90s. In boxing and MMA, they exchange not shirts (there are none) but gloves or shirts outside the ring.

Why exchange with opponents

A sign of respect. "You were a worthy opponent." Especially after a tense match. A memory of a great event. A shirt signed by a legendary player is kept for years. For some players, collecting shirts is a hobby. Friendship. Sometimes players from different clubs become friends off the field, and the exchange of shirts is a confirmation. Charity. Shirts are often auctioned off, with the money going to funds. Superstitions. Some players believe that the shirt of a strong opponent will bring them luck.

Notable exchanges: Pele and Bobby Charlton (1970), Maradona and Platini (1986), Messi and Ronaldo (2008). After the final of the 2022 World Cup, Messi exchanged a shirt with Mbappé — a gesture of reconciliation.

Why give shirts to spectators

Gratitude for support. Fans came, cheered, cried. The player gives a shirt — thank you. Creating loyalty. A fan who receives a shirt from their idol will support them for life. Marketing. The club encourages such practices — it's free advertising. A symbol of closeness. The player shows that he is not a star on a pedestal, but his own guy. Usually, a shirt is given to a child or a fan in a wheelchair. It's more touching.

Occasionally, players take off their shirts and throw them into the crowd after winning a decisive match (the Champions League final, the Olympics).

What happens to the shirt next

The opponent's shirt: the player hangs it at home, in the locker room, sometimes in a frame. He may sign it and give it to a friend. He may sell it at an auction (but this is considered unsportsmanlike — usually sold through charity). The shirt received from a spectator: a rare case (usually the opposite). If a spectator catches a shirt, he takes it home. The price of such a shirt on the black market is from $500 to $5000 (for Messi's shirt — up to $50,000).

Collectors hunt for shirts from specific matches (final, record).

Are there any rules

FIFA: it is forbidden to take off a shirt during the match (yellow card). Shirts can only be exchanged after the final whistle. It is forbidden to expose the body (there must be a shirt under the shirt). Some tournaments prohibit the exchange of shirts due to sponsorship contracts (the sponsor pays for the player to be in his form, not the opponent's). In tennis, the exchange of shirts is not regulated, but it does happen.

In the NBA (basketball), the exchange of shirts is a common practice. There are no rules.

Problems and scandals

A player may be offended if an opponent refuses to exchange. For example, Zidane refused to exchange a shirt with Italian Materazzi after the scandal (2006). Sometimes players give a shirt to the wrong fan — a fight breaks out. Counterfeits. Fans may ask for a shirt and then sell a fake. Sponsorship conflicts: for example, in 2018, players from Real Madrid could not exchange shirts with Liverpool due to different manufacturers (Adidas vs New Balance). They decided to exchange in the locker room.

In 2026, a rule was introduced: shirts must be clean to exchange (not sweaty). Due to COVID-19? No, hygiene.

The exchange of shirts is not just a gesture. It's sports diplomacy. It says, "We are opponents only on the field. Off the field — colleagues, friends, people." And for fans, it's a moment of closeness with their idol. That's why many fans dream of catching a shirt from their favorite player. It's like an autograph, only more valuable.

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