A Childhood Dream in Red and Gold

Hamza Dabbar’s love for football shirts began in Tunisia, watching his beloved Espérance Sportive de Tunis. “Around 2001–2002, I got my first Espérance shirt,” he recalls, a moment that sparked a lifelong passion.

“Every time I could convince my dad to buy me one, I did.” His fandom expanded to Arsenal around 2005, and what started as wearing shirts to play football with friends evolved into a serious pursuit of vintage gems.

“I discovered I could find rare pieces in thrift shops and online,” Hamza says, marking the moment he officially became a collector. Today, his collection of 350–400 shirts is a testament to his roots and his love for football’s history.

Tunisia’s Historic Kits Take Center Stage

Choosing a favorite is tough for Hamza, but his Tunisia shirts hold a special place. The standout? The 1977 Tunisia home kit, worn during the 1978 World Cup qualifiers and Argentina’s tournament, where Tunisia made history with a 3-1 win over Mexico - the first by an African or Arab nation.

“That victory was so impactful that FIFA awarded Africa an extra spot in the next World Cup,” he notes. He also cherishes the 1998 World Cup home and away kits for their beauty and meaning.

“These shirts are full of history,” he says, reflecting his deep pride in his Tunisian heritage.

Rare Gems of Tunisian Pride

Hamza’s rarest shirts are treasures of Tunisian football. A 1977 Tunisia shirt from the World Cup qualifiers, with a unique logo, is a standout.

“It’s extremely hard to find,” he says. Equally elusive is a 1982 Tunisia home kit, rarely sold to the public, and a 1994 match-worn shirt from a friendly tournament in Malta.

“Tunisia didn’t sell most of their kits in the 80s and 90s, and they changed shirts every few matches,” he explains, making these pieces nearly impossible to track down. A long-sleeve Arsenal “bruised banana” match-worn shirt, since sold, also ranks among his past rarities.

A Collection Rooted in Identity

Hamza’s collection centers on four pillars: Espérance Sportive de Tunis, the Tunisia national team, Arsenal, and Italy. “Espérance is the club I grew up watching—it’s very personal,” he says.

His Tunisia collection, likely the largest in the world with around 50 rare pieces, reflects his unwavering national pride. Arsenal’s shirts, nearly complete from 1989 to today, honor his fandom since 2005. Italy’s kits, particularly those designed by Nike’s “Dramberg” in the 1990s, captivated him with their stunning aesthetics.

“It’s not just about football - it’s about identity, memory, and design,” Hamza says, weaving his heritage and passions into every shirt.

Moments That Define a Collector

Hamza’s collecting journey is filled with unforgettable moments. Being interviewed by Tunisia’s Mosaïque FM radio was “surreal,” as were appearances on other Tunisian stations.

Connecting with former Tunisia national team legends through his @TunisianShirtsCollector content, including making videos with some, felt like a dream.

A viral feature by France’s Le Progrès newspaper showcased his collection to a wider audience. Most touching? A player-issue shirt gifted by current Tunisia star Nader Ghandri.

“I was really honored,” Hamza says, hopeful for more such moments.

Navigating a Competitive Market

Sourcing shirts has become tougher since the post-COVID boom in collecting.

“Before, the vintage shirt world was small, with more collectors than sellers,” Hamza recalls. Now, competition is fierce, especially for rare Tunisian kits. He relies on thrift shops, online platforms, and his global network of collectors.

“Build real connections, talk to other collectors, and be part of the community,” he advises newcomers. “Spend time on second-hand websites, be patient, and don’t rush to buy hype.” His savvy approach has helped him secure gems despite rising prices and competition.

Spotting Fakes with Experience

Authenticating shirts is a skill Hamza honed over years. “I spent hours comparing photos, tags, and stitching,” he says, supplemented by knowledge from his collector network. Fake shirts, especially “perfect fakes” from Asia, are a challenge, but he’s learned to spot the differences.

If a fake slips through, he passes it to his cousins, who love football and don’t mind. “I never collect or sell fakes - that’s a rule,” he emphasizes, using tools like the KitLegit app to ensure authenticity.

Wearing History with Care

Unlike collectors who store their shirts, Hamza wears his almost daily. “Shirts are meant to be enjoyed,” he says.

To preserve them, he avoids folding, especially for shirts with names and numbers, and hangs them instead. “I hand wash or use cold wash in the machine to keep prints and fabrics safe,” he adds. His approach balances practicality with passion, ensuring his collection remains vibrant and wearable.

Wisdom for New Collectors

Hamza’s advice is all about connection and patience:

“Build connections - make friends from all over the world. That’s how I found amazing pieces.”

He urges new collectors to explore second-hand platforms, take their time, and focus on what resonates personally. “The football shirt community is full of passionate people, and good things happen when you’re part of it,” he says, reflecting the camaraderie that has defined his journey.

A Legacy of Stories and Shirts

Hamza Dabbar’s @TunisianShirtsCollector is a celebration of football’s soul, from Tunisia’s historic 1978 World Cup kit to Arsenal’s iconic designs. With 350–400 shirts, including the world’s largest Tunisia collection, Hamza’s mission is clear: to tell stories through shirts.

Through radio features, player connections, and viral moments, he’s sharing his passion globally. As he continues to hunt rare gems, Hamza reminds us that every shirt is a piece of identity, memory, and the beautiful game.

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 Hamza’s journey on @TunisianShirtsCollector or @TunisianShirts and share your own shirt story in the comments below!