From Local Loyalties to Global Adventures

Si Maggio’s collecting journey began close to home with shirts from Portsmouth, Palermo, and England, but it soon expanded to reflect his travels and gaming passion.

“I started getting shirts to decide where to play on Football Manager,” he says, “then shirts I liked the look of, and it’s just grown from there.” Now boasting over 500 shirts—though he plans to keep only about half for himself - Si’s collection is a vibrant mix of personal nostalgia, unique designs, and savvy bargain-hunting, shared through his engaging YouTube content on finding deals and spotting fakes.

A Portsmouth Gem with FA Cup Glory

Si’s favorite shirt is the 2007-08 Portsmouth player-spec kit by Canterbury, a piece steeped in personal and historical significance. “I had this shirt at the time, and it’s the perfect shirt to wear for playing football,” he says, praising its unmatched material quality. “It’s also the FA Cup-winning shirt, so it holds perfect memories.” Though he regrets not keeping it pristine, this kit remains a cherished symbol of Portsmouth’s 2008 triumph and Si’s lifelong connection to the club.

Rare Treasures and One-of-a-Kind Finds

Among Si’s most prized possessions is a 1997 Napoli home shirt, signed by the team with an Ayala nameset - a bittersweet relic from a season that saw Napoli relegated. Equally unique is what he believes to be a one-of-a-kind Germany Women’s circa 2011 Adidas shirt, a pre-production mockup that never made it to final design.

“I imagine it’s one of a kind,” Si notes, highlighting his knack for uncovering rare pieces that add depth and intrigue to his collection.

A Total 90 International Collection

Si’s collecting focus includes a curated set of Total 90 international shirts, sparked by a 2004 trip to Brazil that yielded kits from Roberto Carlos, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, and Cafu.

Since then, he’s added Belgium, Netherlands (Sneijder and Robben), Portugal (Figo), USA, and Japan to this niche. “It started when I went to Brazil,” he explains, a testament to how travel and Football Manager have shaped his collection into a global tapestry of iconic players and designs.

Saving Arsenal’s Invincibles Era

One of Si’s most memorable collecting moments came when he rescued a treasure trove from being discarded.

“My stepdad was about to throw away all his old Arsenal shirts, thinking they were worthless,” he recalls. Si intervened just in time, saving near-pristine kits from 1999-2007, including Invincibles home and away shirts and the final Highbury kit.

While these didn’t join his personal collection, they’ve brought joy to other collectors, showcasing Si’s commitment to preserving football history.

The Art of the Bargain Hunt

Si’s sourcing strategy is all about finding deals. “I’m always looking for a bargain,” he says, scouring platforms like Whatnot, Vinted, eBay, Tilt, and even retailers like Classic Football Shirts for underpriced gems.

To authenticate, he checks product codes and unique details, using the KitLegit app for peace of mind. “It helps if I need to raise it with the seller,” he notes. If a fake slips through, Si negotiates with sellers or involves platforms and payment providers, donating any unreturnable fakes to charities without shops to keep them out of circulation.

Battling Fakes and Space Constraints

The biggest challenge Si faces is sifting through fakes, especially with older shirts where “the value-to-risk ratio is much higher, and authenticating is harder.”

Storage is another hurdle: “Finding space to store the shirts when the collection grows can be a challenge if you don’t want to upset your significant other,” he laughs. To protect his collection, Si takes precautions against moths, using moth paper and ensuring they don’t enter his storage space.

Wisdom for Aspiring Collectors

Si’s advice for new collectors is refreshingly practical: “Don’t start with the biggest names on modern shirts - they’re mass-produced and overvalued.

Search for the unusual, find a design or league that interests you.” He encourages focusing on what sparks joy, whether it’s a quirky kit or a nostalgic design, and avoiding the trap of chasing trends. Through his YouTube channel, Si shares this ethos, offering tips on finding bargains and spotting fakes, making him a trusted guide in the collecting community.

A Collection of Memories and Adventures

Si Maggio’s @simaggiofootball is a celebration of football’s weird and wonderful side, from his FA Cup-winning Portsmouth kit to his one-of-a-kind Germany Women’s mockup.

With over 500 shirts and a passion for bargains, Si’s collection reflects his love for the game, his travels, and his Football Manager-inspired hunts. As he continues to share his journey on Instagram, X, and YouTube, Si reminds us that collecting is about finding joy in the unique and sharing it with the world.

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

Check out Si’s content and share your own shirt story in the comments below!