Have you ever seen football players take off their shirts and give them to opponents or fans after a match? It's not just an act of goodwill. It's a tradition, a sign of respect, a way to keep memories alive, and sometimes — a business. Exchanging shirts (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. Back then, players would swap shirts on the field after the match, sometimes in the dressing 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 1980s and 1990s. In boxing and MMA, they exchange gloves or shirts outside the ring, as there are no shirts.

Why do they 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 cherished 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 a shirt from a strong opponent will bring them luck.

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

Why do they give shirts to fans

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 this practice — it's free advertising. A symbol of closeness. The player shows that they are not a star on a pedestal, but someone's buddy. Usually, the shirt is given to a child or a fan in a wheelchair. It's more touching this way.

Occasionally, players take off their shirt and throw it 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 dressing room, sometimes in a frame. They may sign it and give it to a friend. They may sell it at an auction (but this is considered unsportsmanlike — usually sold through charity). The fan's shirt: a rare case (usually the opposite). If a fan catches the shirt, they take it home. The black market price for such a shirt is from $500 to $5,000 (for Messi's shirt — up to $50,000).

Collectors hunt for shirts from specific matches (finals, records).

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 go naked (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 wear their 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 upset if an opponent refuses to exchange shirts. 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, the players of Real Madrid could not exchange shirts with Liverpool due to different manufacturers (Adidas vs New Balance). They decided to exchange them in the dressing room.

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

Exchanging shirts is not just a gesture. It's sports diplomacy. It says: "We are opponents only on the field. Off the field, we are 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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