A Childhood Passion That Never Faded

Michal Bošjak, or “Bošo” to his friends, has been captivated by football shirts since he was seven, when a fake 1998 Brazil Ronaldo R9 jersey ignited his love for the game. “I used to play football, and that jersey was my first,” he recalls. Though he stopped playing, the passion for collecting endured, fueled by the intersection of football and fashion.

Since 2022, Michal has actively built a collection of around 100 jerseys, rotating and trading to keep it dynamic. “If one of my friends is interested in a jersey, I have no problem passing it on,” he says, embodying the community spirit of collecting.

A Bayern Classic Steals the Show

Among Michal’s treasures, one shirt stands above the rest: the 1996-97 Bayern Munich home kit, with its red and blue stripes, button-up collar, and Opel sponsor. “I absolutely love that jersey,” he says as a proud Bayern fan. “I like the cut, the collar, the colors, the sponsor.”

This retro gem perfectly captures the bold aesthetic of 90s football, blending nostalgia with his lifelong devotion to the Bavarian giants. It’s not just a shirt—it’s a masterpiece of design and fandom.

Rare Relics of the 90s

Michal’s collection boasts several valuable and rare pieces, including the 1994 Ireland home jersey from the World Cup in America, sponsored by Opel and made by Adidas. Another gem is the 1993-94 Bayern Munich home kit with Lothar Matthäus’ name, a nod to one of football’s greatest midfielders. He also cherishes a 1992-93 Inter Milan away kit by Umbro, sponsored by Fiorucci, and a 1998 Brazil home jersey by Nike.

“I try to focus on jerseys from the 1990s,” he explains, drawn to an era when players like Hristo Stoichkov, Alan Boksic, and Matthäus were larger-than-life icons.

Chasing the 90s Aesthetic

Michal’s collecting focus is clear: the 1990s, a decade he believes produced football’s most iconic players and designs. “The players back then had much bigger names than today,” he says, and his collection reflects this with jerseys featuring legends like Stoichkov, Boksic, and Matthäus.

While he doesn’t zero in on one player, his love for Bayern Munich and the era’s bold aesthetics—think vibrant colors and classic sponsors—guides his hunt, making each addition a nostalgic nod to football’s golden age.

Souvenirs from the Journey

Michal’s most cherished collecting moments come from his travels. “When I go on vacation, I try to find a retro vintage store nearby through Google Maps,” he shares. Bringing home a new jersey from a trip is a thrill, turning each piece into a tangible memory of his adventures.

Whether it’s a rare find in a hidden shop or a trade with a fellow collector, these moments add a personal layer to his collection, making every shirt a story of exploration and discovery.

Hunting with Community and Care

Michal sources his shirts through a mix of platforms and community connections. “I’d recommend the app Vinted for beginners,” he advises. “You can find well-preserved, retro-vintage jerseys at good prices.” As he’s grown within the collecting community, trading with other enthusiasts has opened doors to rare pieces not found on mainstream sites. For pricier vintage kits, he turns to specialized websites, though he warns of their high costs.

To authenticate, Michal relies on the expertise of friends in the football jersey community and tools like the KitLegit app, especially as “perfect fakes” from Asia make verification trickier.

“Ask someone who knows the team well,” he suggests, emphasizing the value of community knowledge.

Overcoming the Camera Shy

Building his collection hasn’t been without challenges, but for Michal, the biggest hurdle was personal: “Standing in front of the camera and creating my Instagram profile,” he admits. Now, with @Boso Kits Lover, he embraces the challenge of presenting each jersey creatively.

“Every new jersey is another challenge to make my photos and videos more interesting,” he says, turning his passion into a visual storytelling journey that resonates with collectors worldwide.

Preserving the Past

To keep his jerseys pristine, Michal takes a careful approach. “I protect them with thin white plastic bags, like the ones used for suits, to keep dust off,” he explains, especially since his collection is on display. Hand-washing is a must to prevent damage, ensuring classics like his Bayern and Ireland kits remain in top condition.

“You have to treat them with care,” he says, treating each shirt as a piece of football history.

Advice for the Next Generation

Michal’s advice for new collectors is heartfelt and practical: “The sooner you start, the better. The football jersey collecting community is growing, and I’m very happy about that.” He encourages perseverance and humility, noting that collecting is a long-term journey.

“Join the community, build relationships, and focus on what you love,” he adds, reflecting the camaraderie that has enriched his own experience.

A Retro Love Affair

Michal Bošjak’s @Boso Kits Lover is a vibrant tribute to the 1990s, where football’s bold designs and legendary players come to life. From his cherished Bayern Munich kit to rare finds like the 1994 Ireland jersey, his 100 shirts are a testament to his love for the game and its fashion.

As he continues to hunt, trade, and share his passion, Michal reminds us that collecting is about connection—to history, to community, and to the joy of 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 Michal’s journey on @Boso Kits Lover and share your own shirt story in the comments below!