Whether it is sneakers, cars, watches, or retro sports kit, regardless of the subject matter, collectors are a special breed of people. The passion, understanding and commitment to minute detail of design is something that is in equal part impressive and impossible.
Founder of Retro Sportif DXB – a Dubai-based vintage football collectors club – Chris Huntley, shares his all-time favourite World Cup kits…
Cameroon
Away kit, Italia 1990
All my choices are not only design classics, but come heavy with a side of nostalgia. One of my favourite football memories from the early ’90s, was Cameroon’s iconic striker Roger Milla. He was a character, and during his team’s captivating run to the quarterfinals which including that goal he scored, that green Adidas kit is part of history.
Nigeria
Away kit, USA 1994
What a shirt this is! The home version is right up there too but a 3-0 win against Hristo Stoichkov’s Bulgaria side means that this has to make the list. The Super Eagles destroyed the soon-to-be semi-finalists in another Adidas sensation.
Mexico
Home kit, France 1998
Mexico always seem catch my eye at the World Cup both in terms of football and fashion. This stunner of a kit from France ’98 sent me loco enough to add it to the personal collection. That iconic sublimation and even ’keeper Jorge Campos rocking it during the group stages means it gets my seal of approval.
West Germany
Home kit, Italia 1990
As an England fan, I cannot believe I am adding this to the list but it is just that good. This kit represents much despair for most England fans, but when I think of World Cups gone by it is quintessentially part of the aesthetic. Italia ’90 was peak Adidas. You just have to love that shirt.
Japan
Home kit, France 1998
There was lots of offer at Mexico ’86 but they were a bit too early for me to connect with. On the other hand, France ’98 had a seriously good selection. The pick of the bunch goes to Japan. The team was atrocious at the tournament but the kit was an all-timer! Performance is easy to forgive when you look that good.
For more retro inspo follow @RetroSportifDXB