From Video Games to World Cup Glory

Federico Pastor’s collecting journey began with a unique spark: video game-sponsored shirts to complement his game room. “I first started collecting shirts that had video game sponsors,” he shares, a nod to his love for gaming culture. But the passion grew with every major football moment.

“A World Cup would come around, and I’d get Argentina’s shirt. Peru made it to the World Cup - I bought that shirt. Man City won the Prem - I bought that shirt.”

What started as a niche pursuit turned into a global obsession, with Federico now proudly owning 200-220 shirts, each one an “excuse” to celebrate the game he loves.

A Childhood Dream in Fiorentina Purple

Every collector has a kit that holds their heart, and for Federico, it’s the 1997 Fiorentina home shirt with the iconic Nintendo sponsor. “I’ve wanted it since I was a kid,” he says, and in 2025, he finally added it to his collection.

The vibrant purple design, emblazoned with the logo of a gaming giant, perfectly blends his love for football and video games. “It’s a dream come true,” Federico adds, his excitement palpable. This shirt isn’t just a collectible - it’s a nostalgic bridge to his childhood, making it the crown jewel of his collection.

A Playful PAC-MAN Prize

While the Fiorentina kit holds sentimental value, Federico’s most fun recent acquisition is the Club América x PAC-MAN collaboration shirt.

“It fits the video game theme that I was chasing when I started this journey,” he explains. Though it may not be the rarest or most valuable in his collection, its playful design and connection to his original collecting spark make it a standout.

For Federico, the joy of collecting lies in these unique pieces that tell a personal story, even if they don’t break the bank.

Chasing Argentinian Icons

Federico’s collection is deeply rooted in his heritage and fandom. “Most of my shirts are based around Argentinian players,” he says, with Argentina and Manchester City dominating his collection. His love for City stems from their Argentinian stars, particularly “Kun” Agüero, a hero who inspired his fandom.

Lately, he’s been hunting River Plate kits, both modern and retro, to reconnect with memories of visiting family in Argentina. “I still try to collect shirts with video game sponsors,” he adds, staying true to the quirky theme that started it all.

From Lionel Messi’s World Cup winners to obscure gaming-sponsored kits, Federico’s collection is a vibrant mix of passion and personality.

A Shrine to the 2022 World Cup

Some moments transcend football, and for Federico, Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory was one of them. “It was a life-changing moment,” he says, still searching for words to capture the euphoria.

To honor that triumph, he embarked on an ambitious quest: collecting the club shirts of all 26 players from Argentina’s World Cup squad - not their national kits, but the ones from their clubs at the time.

“It took all of 2023, but I accomplished my mission!” he beams. Now, those shirts form a shrine in his living room, a daily reminder of the joy and pride of that historic win.

The Hunt for Authentic Kits

Sourcing shirts is a global adventure for Federico. For new releases, he waits for end-of-season or Christmas sales to snag deals, except for Argentina and Man City home kits, which he buys immediately. “I like to save money!” he laughs.

Older kits require more finesse, and Federico sticks to trusted sellers like Classic Football Shirts, Cult Kits, or reputable Instagram and eBay contacts.

“I don’t trust eBay or apps selling ‘new with tags’ kits for $40-$45 - there’s a high chance those are fake,” he warns.

His travels also yield treasures: “When I’m on holiday, I visit local club shops for a special souvenir.”

Navigating Fakes and Shipping Woes

Authentication is critical for Federico. In the past, he relied on Googling product codes, but now he trusts tools like the KitLegit app to verify authenticity.

“It’s never fun to buy something you think is authentic, only to find out it’s a fake,” he says.

Thankfully, eBay’s buyer protection policies have saved him from losses, allowing returns for counterfeit items. His biggest challenge? Shipping. “If it’s from a different country, shipping costs can be high,” he notes.

Expanding his River Plate collection is tough, as many Argentine retailers don’t ship internationally, leaving Federico to get creative with his sourcing.

Keeping Kits in Top Shape

Federico’s approach to preservation is refreshingly straightforward. “I don’t do anything special other than handwashing them so the name sets and sponsors don’t fade or peel off,” he admits.

It’s a practical method that keeps his 200+ shirts in top condition, ready to be displayed or worn with pride. For Federico, the focus is on enjoying the shirts, not overcomplicating their care.

Wisdom for New Collectors

For those just starting out, Federico’s advice is clear and heartfelt:

“Start with a small budget and don’t go over it. Be patient and don’t just buy shirts to build up a collection quickly.”

He encourages collectors to make the journey fun by hunting at charity shops or connecting with the community on Instagram and YouTube. “Have fun with it,” he says. “Collect what you love, whether it’s your favorite club or player.” His @nutmegcityfc YouTube channel, where he shares his collection and reviews new kits, is a testament to that joy, inviting others to join the ride.

A Collection That Spans the Globe

Federico’s @nutmegcity.fc channel is a celebration of football’s universal language. From his 1997 Fiorentina Nintendo kit to his 2022 World Cup shrine, his 200+ shirts tell stories of Argentinian pride, video game nostalgia, and unforgettable moments. Through his YouTube channel, he invites collectors worldwide to share in the passion.

As he continues to hunt for River Plate relics and gaming-sponsored gems, Federico reminds us that collecting is about heart, heritage, and the thrill of the chase.

Stay tuned for more from our Collectors Series Blog, where we’ll uncover the next chapter of football shirt stories. Ready to start your own collection or verify a kit? Visit KitLegit for authentic shirts and expert authentication.

Check out Federico’s journey on @nutmegcityfc and share your own shirt story in the comments below!