Welcome to the sixteenth chapter of KitLegit’s Collectors Series Blog, where we spotlight the collectors and creators who keep football shirt culture alive. At KitLegit, we know every kit has a story—and few tell it better than Kyle Ashman. The England-based content creator behind @kyle.ashmann on Instagram and @kyle.ashman on TikTok has posted daily football shirt videos for over two and a half years. With a collection of 250–300 shirts, Kyle’s journey is one of childhood nostalgia, Chelsea blue, and an undying love for one white Real Madrid masterpiece. Join us as we dive into his addictive passion.

From Childhood Kits to Daily Content

Kyle didn’t plan to become a collector—it just happened. “I always wore shirts growing up, and as I got older I started buying the ones I loved as a kid,” he says. The rush of finally owning a long-desired jersey became addictive, and before he knew it, he was hooked. Now, that same excitement fuels his daily videos, where he shares pick-ups, reviews, and stories with thousands of fellow shirt enthusiasts.

The Holy Grail: 2011-12 Real Madrid Home

Ask Kyle his favorite shirt and there’s no hesitation: the 2011-12 Real Madrid home kit. “I have it tattooed on my arm with Ronaldo 7,” he laughs. At just eight years old, that season was when football truly grabbed him—playing FIFA Street in that clean white shirt with gold detailing and the bold BWIN sponsor. “Nothing has come close since, and I don’t think anything ever will.” He now owns four variants—including one personally signed by Cristiano Ronaldo with a certificate of authenticity. “I never thought I’d even own the shirt, let alone a signed one. It’s the holy grail.”

Chelsea Blue and Drogba Legends

As a lifelong Chelsea fan, Kyle is on a mission to own every home and away shirt since his birth year, 2004—he’s already about 75% there. He’s also building a complete Didier Drogba collection, chasing a shirt from every club the Ivorian legend played for. “Getting into football as a Chelsea fan in 2012, it was inevitable Drogba would become my favorite player,” he says. Only a couple more shirts to go, and that personal project will be complete.

The £5 Bootleg to Signed Villa Trade-Up

One of Kyle’s wildest memories happened at the Retro Football Fair. Armed with nothing but a £5 bootleg Ronaldo top, he started a trade-up challenge: swap with one seller, take the new item to the next, and keep going. After an hour of bartering, he walked away with a signed David Villa Valencia shirt—without spending a single extra penny. “I made a whole YouTube video on it,” he grins. “Best free upgrade ever.”

Smart Sourcing and Second-Hand Wins

Kyle’s go-to platform? Vinted. “Buy second-hand if possible—you’ll save a fortune,” he advises new collectors. He authenticates mainly through product codes and symmetry checks, though he admits he’s been caught out by fakes in the past. “I just give them away to people who don’t mind,” he says with a shrug. His biggest lesson learned: shift from quantity to quality. “I used to buy everything just to make the collection bigger. Now I downsize the ones I don’t love to make room for the grails.”

Preservation with a Touch of Romance

The most prized shirts never get worn—Kyle keeps a separate “wearable” rail of blank kits for everyday use. The special ones only come out for video shoots or, as he jokes, “a romantic meal with the mrs.” Space is limited, so every shirt on the main rail has to earn its place.

Advice from a Daily Creator

Kyle’s message to anyone starting out is simple and heartfelt: “Start with the shirts you’ve always liked or wanted. This will make your collection more special to you as it grows.” Focus on the ones that give you that same addictive rush he felt as a kid—and the rest will follow.

250–300 Shirts and Counting

Kyle Ashman’s @kyle.ashmann and TikTok feed are a daily celebration of football shirt culture, powered by Chelsea loyalty, Ronaldo reverence, and the pure joy of the hunt. From a tattooed 2011-12 Real Madrid masterpiece to an ever-growing Drogba set, his 250–300-strong collection is proof that sometimes the best things in life start with a childhood dream and a little bit of BWIN gold.

Stay tuned for more from our Collectors Series Blog. Ready to verify your latest pick-up or start your own journey? Visit KitLegit. Follow Kyle on Instagram @kyle.ashmann and TikTok @kyle.ashman—and tell him which shirt you’d tattoo on your arm!