How did you first fall in love with vintage jerseys, and what was your gateway piece that got you hooked?
My serious journey into collecting football jerseys began in 2015. I started searching for vintage jerseys, particularly those from the 90s, as this was the era when I truly fell in love with the sport. Growing up surrounded by football, I developed a deep connection to the game, and I wanted to recapture the nostalgia of my childhood. The jerseys became a way for me to relive those memories. I vividly recall the first time I watched a football match on TV with my father—the 1994 World Cup final between Brazil and Italy. I was just 5 years old, but the excitement and drama of that game left a lasting impression on me. That moment sparked my passion for the sport, and it’s a memory I carry with me to this day.
I heard you're an Atlético Madrid fan—how did that happen? Was it Fernando Torres, Simeone, or maybe José Mari that first hooked you in?
Yes, I am a passionate fan of Atletico Madrid, and I have a deep admiration for Diego Simeone. What I truly respect about him is his unwavering character and dedication, both as a player and as a coach. On the field, he always gave 100%, showing relentless energy, determination, and leadership. Even now, as a coach, he instills that same level of passion and commitment in his players. Simeone’s ability to motivate his team and drive them to perform at their best, no matter the situation, is something that has always inspired me. His mentality, both as a player and now as a manager, is what makes him stand out, and that’s why I hold him in such high regard.
Do you think vintage jerseys are undervalued in the broader streetwear market, or are they finally getting the respect they deserve?
Honestly, the trend of wearing vintage jerseys in streetwear fashion has been gaining a lot of popularity lately. More and more people are embracing the nostalgia and unique style of these classic pieces. Some of the world’s top sports brands have even started re-releasing (or reproducing) old jerseys, recognizing the growing demand for retro designs. This resurgence has brought a fresh wave of attention to these iconic pieces of football history, blending the past with modern fashion.
I think it's safe to say the fake jersey market is still thriving—do you think there's a solution to this issue, or is it something that's impossible to fully stamp out?
In line with current trends, I believe the production of fake jerseys will not stop as long as there is high demand from consumers themselves. As long as people continue to seek them out, the market will persist.
What’s the most interesting story you’ve heard about a jersey that you didn’t even buy—maybe from another collector or someone who had it before?
The 1992 Fiorentina away shirt is one of the most controversial jerseys in football history. It became infamous when fans noticed that a symbol, unintentionally resembling one associated with the Nazi Party, had appeared within the design of the jersey's pattern. This discovery sparked outrage, and as a result, Lotto quickly halted production of the shirt that same year. The controversial design was pulled from circulation, and the company introduced a new version of the jersey after just a few matches had been worn in the Italian league.
Is there a "dream jersey" out there that you still haven’t been able to add to your collection? If so, what is it, and why does it hold such allure for you?
My dream jersey is the one worn by Atletico Madrid in 1996 during the famous 'Madrid Derby' against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. This iconic shirt was only worn once, during that particular match, and featured a unique sponsor change—Bandai was replaced by Tamagotchi for that game.
For someone who's just starting out as a jersey collector, what’s the one piece of advice you would give them to help them build a meaningful and valuable collection?
My advice to those who are just starting to collect vintage jerseys is to be patient and do thorough research to understand the authenticity of the vintage jerseys you’re interested in. Not every vintage jersey you come across is genuine, as fake reproductions are widespread. However, with the right knowledge and attention to detail, you can easily distinguish between authentic and fake jerseys.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a vintage soccer jersey collector today? Do you think the landscape has shifted significantly in recent years?
The most challenging aspect of vintage jerseys today is the rise of reproductions by major brands to meet growing demand. While this has made it easier for fans to get their hands on classic designs, it has also diminished the uniqueness and rarity of original vintage jerseys, making them less special than they once were.
Where do you typically source your vintage jerseys? Do you rely on platforms like eBay or Facebook groups, or do you have a go-to website or even more unconventional sources for finding rare pieces?
My sources for finding vintage jerseys come from a variety of platforms, including eBay, Facebook groups, specialized online marketplaces, and even local thrift shops. I don’t limit myself to just one avenue; I make sure to explore multiple channels to increase my chances of finding rare and unique pieces. This way, I can always stay on the lookout for hidden gems, whether online or in person.
To wrap things up, would you like to see something like a football pop-up market or jersey fair here in Malaysia, similar to the ones they have in Japan or the U.S.? How do you think such an event could impact the local collector scene?
In my opinion, efforts to organize a jersey exhibition should be done in Malaysia. For example, Thailand and Indonesia have already held several exhibitions in their countries, and they have collaborated within their communities to bring collectors together, allowing them to showcase their collections in an exhibition.