Welcome to the eighth chapter of KitLegit’s Collectors Series Blog, where we dive into the passions of football shirt collectors across the globe. Today we’re chatting with Sam Hooley – @shshirts on Instagram, X, and TikTok – a UK-based community staple since the 2020 lockdown. From holiday souvenirs to selling shirts and now creating content with players and influencers, Sam’s journey is fuelled by a lifelong love for kits, a soft spot for Real Madrid’s all-white elegance, and a serious dose of Ronaldo admiration. With a trimmed-down but cherished collection of around 50 “unsellable” shirts (down from a peak of 250), Sam proves quality always beats quantity.

Hours on Pro Evo, Lifelong in Love

Sam’s passion didn’t start with one dramatic moment – it’s been simmering since childhood. “I remember spending hours on Pro Evo, just on the kit design section!” he laughs. Add in grabbing a shirt from every country he visited, and the foundation was laid. The Galácticos era sealed the deal: mesmerised by Real Madrid’s glamour, the pristine white kit, and icons like David Beckham. A semi-self-confessed Ronaldo fanboy ever since.

Early-Career Numbers That Spark Joy

Sentimentally, Sam’s standout is his Portugal 2002 home shirt with C. Ronaldo 11 nameset. “Not just a big Ronaldo fan,” he explains, “I’ve always had a fascination with players at the start of their careers donning numbers they aren’t normally associated with.” Another gem in the same vein: his Gareth Bale 37 Southampton shirt. These early-career oddities capture the magic of football’s rising stars before the iconic numbers take over.

A Japanese Classic Takes the Rarity Crown

For pure rarity and value, Sam points to his Japan 1998 home shirt with Hidetoshi Nakata 8 nameset. A flame-styled World Cup classic worn by one of Asia’s first global superstars – it’s the kind of shirt that turns heads in any collection.

Real Madrid, Ronaldo, and Whatever Catches the Eye

While Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo are the clear focal points – “I was always mesmerised as a kid by the Galácticos and the all-white kit” – Sam’s approach is refreshingly free-spirited. No strict rules, just shirts that speak to him. From travel souvenirs to lockdown-era buys, his collection reflects pure enjoyment over rigid themes.

A Surreal Venezia Moment

One memory still gives Sam goosebumps: recreating the famous model pose in Venezia’s stunning 2022-23 kit and posting it online. The official Venezia account spotted it, shared it, and gave him a shout-out. “Pretty surreal at the time!” A perfect example of how social media can turn a simple shirt photo into a community highlight.

Sourcing, Authenticating, and Storage Wars

Sam keeps it straightforward when hunting shirts: “If I like it and it’s within budget, I’ll grab it.” His top tip for newcomers? Go second-hand – “Vinted and eBay are best from my experience.” Authentication boils down to two words: product codes. “If it’s missing, immediate red flag.”

Life’s biggest collecting challenge? “Storage!” With multiple moves in recent years, mastering the perfect fold has been essential. Preservation-wise, he’s strict: hand wash preferred, but if machine-washing, always inside out, 20 degrees, no softener, and never tumble dry.

The Best Advice in the Game

Sam’s parting wisdom is pure gold for anyone starting out: “Just collect whatever you want to collect. The beautiful thing about this hobby is that there’s no right or wrong way to do it. If you like a shirt, go for it.”

A Collection Built on Joy

Sam Hooley’s story reminds us why we all fell in love with football shirts in the first place: the designs, the memories, the freedom to chase what excites you. From childhood hours designing kits on Pro Evo to owning early Ronaldo and Nakata treasures, his pared-back collection of 50 keepers is all heart.

Follow his journey and content across:
Instagram, X & TikTok: @shshirts

Who knows – your next favourite shirt might just be waiting on his page.

Stay tuned for the next Collectors Series feature. Love your own collection? We’d love to hear your story. In the meantime, verify your kits or grab authentic gems at KitLegit. Drop your favourite “early-career odd number” shirt in the comments!