Football kits have been more than just a uniform for the game, they have become an asset that appreciates in value. As limited edition kits become investment collectables, many fans are turning nostalgia into wealth, proving that football fashion is not only about style but also about business plans.
In recent years, the kit collection market has shown explosive growth. According to Sotheby’s 2024 Collectible Market Report, the auction turnover of rare football kits has increased by 217% in three years, far exceeding the appreciation of traditional luxury goods.
From museum-quality antique kits to current-season collaborations, the kit value assessment system is becoming professionalized. This collection revolution driven by sentiment is redefining people’s perception of “value”.
Harry Huang, 21, 3rd year accounting and financial student at The University of Hong Kong has been reselling kits in his spare time for two years.
In the small dormitory of the University of Hong Kong, Harry’s bookshelf is filled with 15 sealed bags, these are not experimental equipment, but his carefully managed “jersey bank”.
Each bag contains limited edition football kits with a market price ranging from 1500 to 3,000 Hong Kong dollars, with a total value of more than 30,000 Hong Kong dollars.
He said: “All my jerseys are stored in bags with a dry lining and a water storage bag inside. It absorbs moisture from the air in the bag into the water storage bag, which can keep the kits dry and in the best condition. Under normal circumstances, the price of a good-quality kit can be 20% higher.
“In the past two years, this junior student majoring in accounting and finance has earned more than 50,000 Hong Kong dollars with his unique “jersey economics.
“With the release of the joint jerseys between Barcelona and Coldplay in 2024.
“After the limited edition was sold out in an instant, the price on the second-hand platform doubled,” Harry recalled.
“When I was trying to grab the Barcelona x Coldplay collab kit, I prepared three devices a week in advance. The computer was connected to the Spanish agent, the mobile phone was on the stopwatch, and the iPad was refreshing the inventory at any time.
“One hour before the release, my palms were sweaty. The moment the official website opened, the verification code was actually in Spanish, I immediately took a screenshot and used the translation software, and finally completed the payment in 2 minutes.
“The kits originally cost €400 and are now worth €1200. Every time I see it, I will think of that thrilling afternoon.”
He spent €2000 to buy 5 pieces, and sold them for €900 each one month later, earning his jersey fortune in his flipping career.
“Buying kits used to be a belief, but now I find that belief can also make money.”
According to the RAC1 reports, FC Barcelona is in talks with Taylor Swift about a special edition jersey for the El Clasico against Real Madrid in May 2025.
Harry said: “ I have set a reminder in my phone’s memo for May 2025. The Barcelona x Taylor collab kit will be my next must-buy item.
“Several people who bought kits from me before have already ordered the Barcelona Taylor co-branded shirts from me and paid me a deposit as well. This time I will also come with a few friends to get collab shirts online.
“Based on the experience of Coldplay, I predict that the price of this shirt will triple within 6 months after its release because Taylor’s fans are the craziest all over the world.
“Our generation of fans is very lucky, what we wear is not only our passion but also the ’emotional stock’ that can appreciate.”
In the future, more brands and clubs may launch limited edition joint products, such as Barcelona and Coldplay, Manchester City and Oasis. football kits are not only the faith of fans but also may become new financial assets.