The 10 Most Iconic Football Jerseys of All Time

A football jersey is so much more than just a piece of clothing. For players, it represents pride, passion, and a deep connection to their club or country. For fans, it’s a symbol of history, identity, and unforgettable moments. Some kits have become iconic—forever linked to legendary players and game-changing performances.

These jerseys aren’t just remembered; they’re celebrated. They capture the spirit of football and live on through generations of supporters.

So, let’s look at the 10 greatest football jerseys of all time.

10. Boca Juniors (1981)

Diego Maradona joined Boca Juniors from Argentinos Juniors in 1981 and made an immediate impact, helping the team win the Metropolitano Championship in his very first season. Though his time at the club was short, he left a lasting legacy. The jersey he wore—simple, bold, and iconic—remains a fan favorite to this day. For many, it's more than just a shirt; it's a timeless symbol of Maradona’s brilliance and passion.

9. FC Barcelona (2008/09)

Pep Guardiola took charge of Barcelona’s first team in 2008 and made an immediate impact, dominating world football in his debut season. During the 2008/09 campaign, Barça won an incredible six trophies, becoming the first Spanish club to achieve the treble. As a result, the jersey worn that season has become iconic—a symbol of one of the greatest teams in football history. It featured a bold half-and-half design, which was recently reimagined for the 2024/25 season.

8. West Germany (1990)

The first international kit on our list is West Germany’s home kit for the 1990 World Cup. With its clean white base and bold tricolor chevron across the chest—featuring the black, red, and gold of the German flag—this jersey is a perfect blend of style and national pride. It’s not just good-looking, either: West Germany won the World Cup that year, cementing this kit’s place in football history.

7. Juventus (1995-1997)

This kit represents Juventus’s dominance in both Italian and European football during the 1990s. It’s the one they wore when they claimed their second UEFA Champions League title, marking a golden era for the club. With legends like Alessandro Del Piero, Didier Deschamps, and a young Zinedine Zidane wearing it, this kit has become an icon—one of the most memorable and celebrated in football history.

6. Netherlands (1988)

The Netherlands’ 1988 home kit, with its bold orange base and striking geometric pattern, remains a fan favorite to this day. It perfectly captured the flair and creativity of the Dutch team's playing style at the time. Worn by legends like Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard, and Ronald Koeman, the kit became iconic during their historic triumph at the UEFA European Championship that year.

5. Real Madrid (2001/02)

Real Madrid’s 2001/02 home kit is one of the most iconic jerseys in the club’s storied history. With its clean, minimal design over the classic white base, it has a timeless, retro feel. This kit became truly legendary when Zinedine Zidane wore it to score one of the greatest goals ever in the UEFA Champions League final, helping Real Madrid secure their ninth European title.

4. Manchester United (1998/99)

The Red Devils made history during the 1998/99 season by winning the treble, becoming the first English club to achieve that incredible feat. As a result, the jersey they wore that season holds a special place in the hearts of fans. It wasn’t just iconic because of the success—it was also a beautiful kit. Featuring Manchester United’s classic red body with black and white trim and a smart white collar, it perfectly captured the spirit of that unforgettable campaign.

3. Brazil (1970)

Brazil is the most successful country in football history, having won the FIFA World Cup five times. But their most legendary victory came in 1970. That year, they didn’t just win the trophy — they changed the way the game was played. Their incredible skill, creativity, and style on the pitch brought a new level of excitement to football, leaving a lasting impression that’s still remembered today. Their kit from the campaign, with its raw and classic design, has since achieved legendary status in today’s world.

2. AC Milan (1988-1990)

In the late 1980s, the Rossoneri ruled European football, clinching back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles in 1989 and 1990. The kit they wore during this golden era has become iconic. Made by Kappa, it featured the classic red and black vertical stripes, paired with a sleek black collar and a stylish button-up design—truly a timeless look that perfectly captured their dominance on the pitch.

1. Argentina (1986)

Diego Maradona’s 1986 World Cup run is nothing short of legendary for fans around the world. The Argentina jersey he wore during that unforgettable campaign is forever linked to his incredible talent and unforgettable moments on football’s biggest stage. While every Argentina kit looks great with its iconic blue and white stripes, it’s the story behind this particular jersey—and Maradona’s magic while wearing it—that truly makes it stand out as the best of them all.

Cover Credits - Goal.com