Welcome to the third chapter of KitLegit’s Collectors Series Blog, where we unravel the stories behind the world’s most passionate football shirt collectors. At KitLegit, we believe every kit is a canvas of memories, fandom, and history.

Today, we’re excited to introduce Yaro Provoost, known as the_kit_gallery on Instagram, whose collection of 82 shirts spans retro classics to modern gems. From his love for Cristiano Ronaldo to his adventures in mystery boxes, Yaro’s journey is a vibrant mix of discovery, disappointment, and devotion.

Join us as we explore his world of football shirts and the stories they tell.

A Spark from a Mystery Box

Yaro Provoost’s love for football shirts began with a gamble that turned into a passion.

“One day, my friends and I decided to order a few mystery shirts while preparing for a football tournament,” he recalls. The first shirt to arrive? A Rangers FC third kit from the 2021-22 season.

“The element of surprise really intrigued me,” Yaro says, and that thrill led him to order more. But after receiving “weird shirts from the second division of India or Pakistan,” he shifted gears, focusing on clubs like Real Madrid, Juventus, Royal Antwerp FC, and KV Kortrijk - teams and players that resonate with him personally.

What started as a fun experiment grew into a collection now closing in on 100 shirts, with his rack “starting to overflow!”

A Swedish Classic Steals the Heart

Every collector has a favorite, and for Yaro, it’s the 1995 Sweden home kit, adorned with Henrik Larsson’s name and the iconic number 7.

“The moment I saw it, I knew I had to have it,” he says.

With its vibrant yellow hue and bold blue side stripes, the retro design is a love letter to 90s football.

“It features my favorite number, along with one of the standout players of that era,” Yaro adds. “A true classic in every sense.” This shirt isn’t just a piece of fabric—it’s a celebration of Larsson’s legacy and the nostalgic aesthetic that defines Yaro’s collection.

The Priceless Ronaldo Relic

While the Larsson kit holds sentimental charm, Yaro’s most valuable shirt is a true collector’s gem: the 2014-15 Real Madrid long-sleeve home kit, featuring the name of his all-time favorite player, Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I paid a pretty decent amount for it, but to me, its worth goes far beyond money,” he says. “This shirt holds endless sentimental value.” As a Ronaldo superfan, Yaro chases kits from the legend’s stints at Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Juventus, making this match-worn piece a cornerstone of his collection - and a testament to his admiration for the GOAT.

A Collection with Personal Flair

Yaro’s collection is a curated reflection of his passions. “The shirts I actively look for are mainly from my favorite teams and players,” he explains, with a focus on Ronaldo’s clubs and Belgian sides like Royal Antwerp FC and KV Kortrijk.

Other shirts, from various teams across Europe, are pieces he enjoys but might trade to collectors who share a deeper connection to those clubs. “I collect what I love,” he says, a mantra that keeps his collection authentic and meaningful, even as it grows toward that 100-shirt milestone.

A Trade That Never Arrived

Not every collecting story is a happy one, and Yaro’s most memorable experience is a bittersweet lesson. After buying a retro KRC Genk shirt, he agreed to trade it with another collector for a 1994-95 Real Madrid away kit - a “real gem.”

Both shipped their shirts, but while the other collector received Yaro’s, his never arrived. “We tried resolving it with the postal service, but they couldn’t help,” he recalls. “The other collector was incredibly kind, but to this day, I’ve never received the shirt.”

The disappointment lingered, briefly dimming his collecting joy, but it also taught him resilience and the importance of community trust.

Hunting Gems with a Sharp Eye

Yaro’s sourcing strategy is as adventurous as his collection.

“I mainly search for shirts on Instagram, through fellow collectors, at football shirt fairs, or when I’m on holiday,” he says. Traveling is a treasure hunt - every city’s club shop offers a chance to snag a unique souvenir. He’s also a Vinted regular, where he’s found “real gems at surprisingly low prices,” though he warns,

“Around 95% of the shirts listed are fakes.” Authentication is key, and Yaro relies on product codes and the KitLegit app, which he calls “super easy to use” and “one of my favorite apps.”

If a shirt turns out to be fake? “It’s unfortunate,” he says, but he’s learned to verify first to avoid pointless purchases.
 

Caring for the Collection

Preserving 82 shirts is no small feat, and Yaro has a careful routine. “I avoid using the washing machine,” he says. “I wash them by hand with just a little bit of soap, and I always turn them inside out to protect the prints.” Match-worn or signed shirts? “Never wash those!” he laughs.

Some kits are too special to wear and stay safely stored, ensuring they remain in pristine condition for years to come.

Lessons from the Kit Gallery

Yaro’s journey hasn’t been without challenges, from navigating fakes to overcoming his initial nerves about starting the_kit_gallery on Instagram. “I hesitated a bit,” he admits, “but my girlfriend convinced me to go for it.” That leap paid off, connecting him with a supportive community where “everyone respects each other, no matter what shirts you own.”

His biggest lesson? “I don’t have to say yes to everything right away,” he says, reflecting on early impulsive buys.

For new collectors, his advice is clear: “Begin by figuring out which shirts you really want. Check if they’re authentic using the KitLegit app. Connect with other collectors, visit football fairs, and enjoy it. Collect what you love.”

A Collection That Tells a Story

Yaro Provoost’s the_kit_gallery is more than a showcase of 82 shirts—it’s a journey through football’s past and present, fueled by his love for Ronaldo, retro designs, and the thrill of the hunt. From the vibrant Sweden 1995 kit to the priceless Ronaldo relic, each shirt holds a piece of his story.

As he nears the 100-shirt mark, Yaro’s passion and community spirit remind us that collecting is about joy, connection, and the love of the game.