Decoding Football Shirts: Know What You're Bidding On

ISSUED

The issued shirt is a part of the club’s equipment stock, but it hasn't been made available to the player for official matches. One notable way to tell prepared shirts apart from those worn during matches is through their sizing: often, the team's warehouse prepares issued shirts in sizes different from the ones used by the player. Moreover, they stand out from store-bought shirts due to their technical specifications, such as fabric, materials, labels, and patches.

Daniele De Rossi issued shirt, As Roma, 2014/15 season

Daniele De Rossi issued shirt, As Roma, Season 2014/15, different size detail (XXL and not XL)

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MATCH-ISSUED

Often referred to as “dressing room“ shirts, match shirts are prepared and set aside for matches but aren't worn by the players. This occurs because professional clubs' warehouse staff typically prepare multiple identical shirts for each official match, which are unlikely to be used. While these shirts possess the same technical specifications as match-worn shirts (including patches, materials, internal labels, etc.), they can't be classified as such. The match shirt must align with the player's size to be considered as such.

Leonardo Spinazzola match shirt, match detail on the chest and “MATCHDAY AUTHENTICATED” label

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MATCH-WORN

“MATCH WORN” signifies a shirt worn by the player during an official match. These shirts must match the player's size and often feature specific patches and/or different labels (depending on the technical sponsor) than those available for sale. In the case of unwashed shirts, stains from dirt, grass, and sweat, as well as signs of wear from the match, are typically present. Some teams include a “matchday” or “match-worn” label to distinguish actual worn shirts from those prepared for matches. Another important method of identifying worn shirts is through photographic evidence: each shirt, though similar to others, is unique due to the placement of patches, numbers, and the player's name.