Football fans urged to check their wardrobes for these 10 retro kits that could be worth thousands

Some old football shirts are now selling for more than £3k

Classic international kits worn by legends including Paul Gascoigne, Ronaldo Nazário, Zinedine Zidane and Lionel Messi have surged in value in recent years, with collectors paying huge money for rare shirts in good condition.

New research released by Compare the Market has highlighted 10 retro international shirts that could now fetch anywhere between a few hundred pounds and more than £3,000 on the resale market.

Among the most valuable is Lionel Messi’s Argentina 2022 World Cup-winning shirt, with some versions now valued at up to £3,000.

England classics from Italia ’90 and Euro ’96 are also among the most sought-after shirts, alongside iconic kits from Brazil, Nigeria, Croatia and Portugal.

The 10 retro football shirts that could now be worth serious money

• Paul Gascoigne — England 1990 Home Shirt #19 — £250–£1,200
• David Beckham — England 1998 Home Shirt #7 — £100–£900
• David Seaman — England Euro 96 Goalkeeper Shirt #1 — £150–£500
• Gareth Southgate — England 1996 Away Shirt #6 — £150–£600
• Ronaldo Nazário — Brazil 2002 Home Shirt #9 — £300–£1,200
• Cristiano Ronaldo — Portugal 2006 Home Shirt #17 — £250–£900
• Lionel Messi — Argentina 2022 Home Shirt #10 — £500–£3,000
• Zinedine Zidane — France 1998 Home Shirt #10 — £400–£1,500
• Jay-Jay Okocha — Nigeria 1998 Home Shirt #10 — £200–£1,000
• Davor Šuker — Croatia 1998 Home Shirt #9 — £200–£1,000

Football shirt collector Kyle Ashman said many people may already own valuable shirts without realising it.

He said: “Any football shirt from before the early 2000s in an adult size is worth checking.

“People are often surprised by how much some of these shirts can now be worth, especially if they’re in good condition.”

Ashman also said retro shirts have exploded in popularity because of nostalgia and football fashion trends.

He added: “Retro shirts are tied to huge moments in football history and people love wearing them around major tournaments. A lot of those older designs have become fashionable again too.”

Compare the Market is now encouraging football fans to review their contents insurance if they own valuable collectibles, as many shirt collections may now be worth far more than people originally paid for them.

Amy Rootham, Home Insurance Expert at Compare the Market, said: “Retro football shirts can hold both significant financial and sentimental value, so it’s important people regularly review their home contents cover to ensure valuable belongings are properly protected.”

Collectors are also being warned to watch out for fake shirts, with demand for vintage football kits leading to a rise in counterfeits online.

How to spot a fake retro football shirt

• Check manufacturer tags carefully
• Inspect the stitching quality
• Look closely at badge and sponsor printing
• Verify sizing labels match the era
• Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true