A Childhood Boost of Confidence

Will Saunders has been kicking a ball since he was four, but it was at ten that his love for football shirts took root. “It gave me confidence,” he says.

“Watching the players I idolized growing up, every time I wore their shirt playing football with my friends, I believed I could be as good as them.”

That sense of empowerment, sparked by pulling on a hero’s kit, turned into a lifelong passion. Now, with 70-80 shirts in his collection, Will also shares his journey through football content on YouTube, a venture he began in 2023, blending his love for collecting with storytelling.

A Quartet of Favorites

Choosing a favorite shirt is tough for Will, so he picks four, each tied to a unique story.

First, the 2022 Argentina home kit with Messi’s name: “Seeing Messi finally win the World Cup was everything for me as a football and Messi fan.”

Next, the 2012-13 long-sleeve Chelsea home shirt with Eden Hazard: “The gold badge, Chelsea blue, Samsung sponsor, and Adidas design - it’s my favorite Chelsea shirt ever.”

Then, the 2010-11 Barcelona home kit with David Villa: “My favorite player as a kid. I’d pretend I was him kicking a ball around.”

Finally, the 1997 Fiorentina home kit with Batistuta and the Nintendo sponsor, a nod to his love for Mario and Pokémon. “As a huge gaming fan, this is a must-have,” he says.

A Rare Gem with Gaming Flair

Will’s most prized shirt is that same 1997 Fiorentina home kit with Batistuta. “It’s definitely my most valuable,” he notes, citing the long-sleeve design and iconic Nintendo sponsor.

As a collector who cherishes video game-themed kits, this shirt is a perfect blend of his football and gaming passions. Its rarity and connection to the legendary Gabriel Batistuta make it a standout piece in his collection, evoking nostalgia for both the pitch and the arcade.

Blues, Messi, and American Pride

Will’s collection revolves around his deepest loyalties: Chelsea, Messi, the USA, and Barcelona. Chelsea is his lifelong love, rooted in watching icons like Drogba, Lampard, Hazard, and Terry.

“I love this club so much and always will. Come On You Blues!” he declares.

His USA kits tie to cherished memories of the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, with heroes like Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey fueling his excitement for the 2026 World Cup at home. Messi, “the best to ever play,” dominates his collection, while Barcelona kits reflect his admiration for players like David Villa. Each shirt is a personal connection to the game’s magic.

A Messi Moment in Miami

Will’s most memorable collecting story centers on his 2023 Inter Miami Messi shirt. “I bought this at an Inter Miami game, only Messi’s second with the club,” he recalls. “It was my first time watching him play live.”

That experience inspired his first YouTube video to surpass 1,000 views, a milestone that convinced him he could pursue content creation full-time. “It made me believe I could do YouTube one day,” he says.

The shirt, now a symbol of that pivotal moment, holds a special place in his collection and his heart.

Hunting Smart, Avoiding Scalpers

Will sources his shirts strategically, focusing on sales from Adidas, soccer.com, club stores, and trusted collectors. “Do your research and don’t get ripped off by scalpers,” he advises.

“One of the annoying things about collecting is people buying to resell for profit. Don’t be that person.”

For authentication, he relies on the KitLegit app to ensure he’s getting player-version authentic shirts. If a fake slips through? “I usually sell it cheap,” he says, staying true to his commitment to quality over quantity.

Financial Hurdles and Careful Care

Building a collection isn’t without challenges, and for Will, finances are the biggest hurdle. “I’ve been in positions where I couldn’t afford a shirt but bought it anyway, so I’d have to resell or return it,” he admits.

To keep his shirts in top condition, he washes them inside out and air-dries them to prevent peeling on namesets and sponsors - a simple but effective method to preserve his treasures.

Advice for the Next Generation

For new collectors, Will’s advice is practical and heartfelt: “Don’t buy what you can’t afford. Take your time and enjoy the experience of collecting nostalgia.” He encourages savoring the hunt and holding onto the memories each shirt evokes.

“It’s about the joy of the journey,” he says, a philosophy that shines through in his YouTube videos, where he shares his collection and passion with fans worldwide.

A Collection Built on Joy

Will Saunders’ @bywillsaunders and YouTube channel are vibrant celebrations of football’s power to inspire. From his Messi World Cup kit to his Fiorentina gaming gem, his 70-80 shirts capture the confidence and nostalgia of his childhood dreams.

As he cheers for Chelsea, the USA, and Messi, Will’s collection - and his growing online presence - remind us that every kit is a story of fandom, waiting to be shared.

Stay tuned for more from our Collectors Series Blog, where we’ll uncover the next chapter of football shirt stories. Want to start your own collection or verify a kit?

Visit KitLegit for authentic shirts and expert authentication. Check out Will’s journey on his YouTube channel and share your own shirt story in the comments below!