The 70s-90s: The Golden Age of Long-Sleeved Jerseys
For decades, the long-sleeved jersey was the norm. Legends like Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, and Diego Maradona graced the fields in these models, which offered both elegance and sobriety.
In the 80s and 90s, long sleeves contributed to the visual identity of clubs:
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Van Basten and Maldini's AC Milan, clad in their red and black long-sleeved stripes.
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Cantona's Manchester United Sharp from those years, recognizable by its iconic collar and sleeves.
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The Real Madrid Hummel of the Quinta del Buitre, a symbol of a golden era in Spanish football.
These jerseys reflected a style of play, but also an era when aesthetics mattered as much as performance.
The 2000s: The Decline of Long-Sleeved Jerseys
With the rise of technical materials and the pursuit of performance, long sleeves gradually disappeared. Equipment manufacturers favored the short-sleeved jersey accompanied by a thermal undershirt.
Icons like Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi popularized this trend: a short jersey + a fitted base layer, more practical and modern.
As a result, in the 2000s-2010s, long sleeves became rare and began to take on a nostalgic dimension for collectors.
Long-Sleeved Jerseys Become Vintage and Collector's Items
From the 2010s onwards, long-sleeved jerseys from previous decades became sought-after pieces. Why? Because they are rarer and exude a different aura.
A long-sleeved Arsenal Dreamcast jersey, a long-sleeved PSG Opel 1995, or a Juventus Kappa Del Piero now sell for much higher prices than their short-sleeved equivalents.
For a collector, owning a long-sleeved jersey means having an even more authentic and exclusive piece.
Return to Fashion and Current Football Culture
In recent years, there has been a return of the long-sleeved jersey, worn both on the street and by certain players.
In streetwear, long sleeves are essential because they pair perfectly with vintage and oversized looks.
Clubs sometimes release long-sleeved re-editions in their retro collections, to attract nostalgic fans.
In football culture, artists, rappers, and influencers are regularly seen sporting long jerseys from the 90s as fashion accessories.
This phenomenon illustrates a broader trend: the blending of football and lifestyle, where the jersey is no longer just a match garment, but a timeless fashion piece.
Between Past and Present: A Timeless Cult Object
Long-sleeved jerseys tell a story: that of a more romantic football, where aesthetics took precedence over marketing. Today, they are making a comeback thanks to the retro football movement and the enthusiasm for vintage fashion.
Wearing a long-sleeved jersey is both a tribute to the legends of yesterday and a statement of modern style.