Every time a match ends, the final whistle is often followed by a quiet exchange that can be as meaningful as the game itself. For nearly a century soccer players have swapped jerseys as a gesture of respect, a practice that began in the early 1930s and was popularized at the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland.
FIFA has documented the practice as part of the sport’s cultural heritage, noting that the first recorded swap dates back to 1931 after a France‑England match, and that the tradition spread through tournaments such as the 1954 edition in Switzerland.
A ritual that transcends generations
The ritual reached a global audience during the 2022 World Cup semifinal when Kylian Mbappé and Achraf Hakimi exchanged shirts after France’s victory over Morocco, a moment that added a modern chapter to a tradition that also saw Pelé and Bobby Moore trade garments after the 1970 final. While superstar names such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are frequently asked for a swap, the gesture is not reserved for the elite; athletes at every level participate, covering the cost of replacement shirts when needed.
Messi, for instance, has turned the practice into a personal archive, surrounding his locker with shirts from legends like Yaya Touré and Raúl. Paulo Dybala, another avid collector, has added jerseys from Diogo Jota and the late Ronaldinho to his trove, while Diego Maradona’s 1986 World Cup shirt fetched $9.3 million at auction, underscoring the monetary value that can accompany these mementos.
Not every player embraces the custom; Cristiano Ronaldo once declined a request from Robin Gosens during his Juventus stint, and Sir Alf Ramsey discouraged his English squad from swapping after the 1966 triumph over Argentina. These refusals highlight that the tradition, while widespread, is not mandatory and can be shaped by personal or tactical considerations.
Beyond the emotional resonance, the practice carries practical implications. Players are typically issued multiple jerseys per match, and those who wish to keep a souvenir must often purchase additional shirts themselves. The financial burden, however, is seen as a small price for preserving a piece of soccer history, a sentiment echoed by many who view each exchanged shirt as a tangible link to the sport’s evolving narrative.