A Childhood Ajax Spark

Gerdo van de Peppel’s collecting journey began at age six with an Ajax shirt from Le Coq Sportif.

“I found that shirt when I was a kid, and years later, I went searching for the same one in my size now,” he recalls.

That nostalgic hunt ignited a passion that has grown into a 600-shirt collection, focused on Dutch club kits. For Gerdo, each shirt is more than fabric - it’s a connection to his childhood and the vibrant history of Dutch football, sparking a lifelong quest to preserve these treasures.

A Gift of Promotion Glory

Gerdo’s favorite shirt is deeply personal: the FC Wageningen 1980-81 kit, worn during their promotion match to the Eredivisie.

Gifted by his former coach at RVW, Dick Martens, it was the last shirt left in the locker room after that historic game.

“He always kept it and gave it to me for my collection a few years ago,” Gerdo says. The shirt, tied to a club that went bankrupt in 1992, holds unmatched sentimental value, embodying a fleeting moment of triumph in Dutch football history.

A Rare Barcelona Relic

Among Gerdo’s most valuable pieces is a 1973-74 FC Barcelona shirt by Monthalt, bearing the number 17 of Francisco Fernández Rodríguez, nicknamed Gallego.

“He played 248 matches for Barcelona and scored 17 goals,” Gerdo notes.

This rare kit, from an era before modern commercialization, is a testament to his ability to uncover unique pieces that resonate with football’s storied past, adding international flair to his predominantly Dutch collection.

Ajax and Wageningen at Heart

Gerdo’s collection centers on two clubs: Ajax, inspired by his first shirt, and FC Wageningen, tied to his local roots and coaching memories.

“These clubs mean the most to me,” he says, reflecting a deep connection to their histories. While his focus is Dutch clubs, the Barcelona shirt shows his appreciation for iconic kits beyond the Netherlands, especially those with compelling stories or unique designs.

A Cambuur Odyssey Across Continents

One of Gerdo’s most memorable stories involves a long-sought SC Cambuur shirt with the BFI sponsor. After missing it on Marktplaats multiple times, a fellow collector alerted him to a Facebook ad from a seller in Argentina.

“A Cambuur shirt in Argentina? How?” Gerdo wondered. Research revealed that Cambuur played Independiente in 1993, losing 3-1.

“The stories behind a shirt are one of the great things about collecting,” he says. The shirt, now en route from South America, is a triumph of patience and global connections.

Sourcing Through Community and Patience

Gerdo sources his shirts through Instagram, Marktplaats (Dutch eBay), and Facebook, relying on a network of collectors for tips and trades.

“I know a lot of collectors, and they help me, as I help them,” he says. His tip for new collectors?

“Take your time - the search for a shirt is sometimes nicer than having it.”

Early mistakes with fakes taught him to verify authenticity through community expertise and careful inspection. If a fake slips through, he sees it as a lesson, not a loss.

Challenges of Patience and Space

Gerdo’s biggest challenge early on was eagerness.

“In the beginning, you want that shirt at all costs,” he admits. Now, he waits patiently, as with the Cambuur shirt. Space is another hurdle:

“All the shirts are hanging in a very big closet in my small museum,” he says, emphasizing good ventilation to keep them pristine. His setup reflects a dedication to showcasing his collection as a living archive of Dutch football.

Preserving a Legacy

To maintain his shirts, Gerdo hangs them in a well-ventilated closet, avoiding damage from folding or poor storage.

“With good ventilation, the shirts stay perfect,” he says.

His meticulous care ensures that treasures like the FC Wageningen and Barcelona kits remain in top condition, ready to tell their stories for years to come.

Wisdom for New Collectors

Gerdo’s advice is simple yet profound:

“Take your time. The search is sometimes as nice as having the shirt.” He encourages new collectors to savor the journey, focusing on meaningful pieces rather than rushing to amass a collection.

His own focus on Ajax and FC Wageningen shows how a defined passion can create a memorable and impactful collection.

A Museum of Dutch Football

Gerdo van de Peppel’s @Oudevoetbalshirts collection is a 600-shirt ode to Dutch football, with Ajax and FC Wageningen at its heart.

From the sentimental FC Wageningen 1980-81 kit to the rare 1973-74 Barcelona shirt, each piece tells a story of history, community, and patience.

As he continues his global hunts, Gerdo reminds us that football shirts are more than collectibles - they’re a celebration of the game’s enduring legacy.

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. Follow Gerdo’s journey on @Oudevoetbalshirts and share your own shirt story in the comments below!