A Childhood Gift That Started It All

Oncemetros FC’s passion for football shirts began at Christmas 1994 with his first jersey, a gift that ignited a lifelong obsession.

“I started watching football on TV, and they are a memory of childhood,” he shares. “Now, when I get a shirt from those years, I remember what my life was like.”

That moment marked the start of a collection now totaling 113 shirts, organized into four categories: Real Madrid, Spain, national teams, and European clubs.

“It all began with that one shirt, and the madness lasts to this day,” he says, capturing the joy of reliving his youth through each new find.

Favorites That Evoke Memories

Choosing a favorite shirt is tough, but Oncemetros highlights a few that stand out. The Real Madrid 1996-97 kit is cherished for the “very good memories” of that season. Italy’s 2002 shirt, with its unique cut, is “one of the most beautiful of all time.”

The Croatia 1998 kit, iconic for its bold design and Croatia’s debut World Cup, also holds a special place. “The most beautiful shirts are from Germany,” he adds, drawn to their timeless designs.

Each favorite reflects a blend of nostalgia, aesthetics, and football history that defines his collection.

Signed Treasures of Los Galácticos

Oncemetros’ most valuable shirts are those signed by legends. A 2003-04 Real Madrid kit, autographed by “Los Galácticos” like Zidane, Figo, Beckham, Roberto Carlos, and Raúl, is a crown jewel.

Another is the 2006-07 Real Madrid shirt, his first purchased kit, signed by Van Nistelrooy. A 2008-09 goalkeeper shirt signed by Casillas rounds out this trio of treasures.

“These signed shirts are the most valuable,” he says, their autographs elevating them beyond fabric to relics of football’s golden era.

A Focus on Real Madrid and Iconic Kits

Oncemetros’ collection began with Real Madrid, where he proudly owns every shirt since 1994, reflecting his unwavering loyalty. Spain’s kits, from the 1994 World Cup to recent Euros triumphs and disappointments like Euro 2000, are another cornerstone.

He also seeks shirts from World Cup and Euros champions, alongside “mythical” designs like Italy 2002, Croatia 1998, Germany 1994, and Brazil 1986. European club shirts, especially Champions League winners since 1994 or unique designs like Arsenal’s 2006 Highbury kit, round out his collection.

“It’s about capturing history,” he says.

A Roman Encounter with Fellow Collectors

A memorable moment came during a trip to Rome, where Oncemetros visited an antique shirt store. “I talked to the seller about the football jersey community,” he recalls, and to his surprise, the seller sought his advice on pricing shirts.

This exchange highlighted the global camaraderie of collectors, turning a simple visit into a shared celebration of their passion. It’s a reminder that football shirts connect people across borders, creating stories beyond the kits themselves.

Sourcing with Savvy and Trust

Oncemetros sources new season shirts from club websites, brand stores, or trusted online football retailers. For vintage kits, he turns to second-hand platforms, relying on his experience to spot authentic pieces.

“I suggest buying on reliable websites and ensuring they’re original shirts - they’re the ones that really have value,” he advises new collectors.

To authenticate, he compares older shirts to real images, checking fabric, details, and labels, while modern shirts are verified by country of origin and product codes. If a fake slips through, he returns it to the seller, maintaining his commitment to authenticity.

From Closet to Showcase Room

Building a collection of 113 shirts hasn’t been without challenges.

“At first, I only needed a closet, but now I need an entire room to keep them in order and displayed how I like,” Oncemetros says. His growing collection demands space and care, reflecting the scale of his passion.

To preserve his shirts, he washes them in cold water, inside out, using a special bag to protect bibs and sponsors. “If the shirt is very special, wash it by hand with little soap,” he advises, ensuring his treasures stay pristine.

Wisdom for Aspiring Collectors

Oncemetros’ advice for new collectors is clear: “Get original shirts and focus on a specific pattern - your club, national team, players, or iconic designs. It’s a very personal choice.”

By setting a clear focus, collectors can build meaningful collections that reflect their passions. His own journey, rooted in Real Madrid and the 1994 World Cup, shows how a defined vision creates a collection that’s both personal and powerful.

A Collection Steeped in History

Oncemetros FC’s @Oncemetros FC collection is a vibrant tribute to football’s soul, with 113 shirts capturing the history, memories, and passion of the game. From signed Real Madrid treasures to iconic Croatia and Italy kits, each shirt tells a story of his childhood and fandom.

As he continues to chase designs that evoke 1994 and beyond, Oncemetros reminds us that football shirts are more than fabric—they’re a lifestyle woven with nostalgia and love for 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. Follow Oncemetros’ journey on @Oncemetros FC and share your own shirt story in the comments below!