PLAYER ISSUE
Player issue means a shirt cut to the same specification the squad itself wore, not a piece any specific player was photographed in, and this small collection is the clearest place in the store to see exactly what that distinction looks like.
More information
What player issue actually means
A player issue shirt is made to the same fabric, cut and printing standard the club's own squad used that season, distinct from the looser, printed replica sold to supporters at retail. It does not mean a specific player wore that exact shirt in a match, which is the difference between player issue and match issue or match worn. Del Piero's 2006-07 Juventus shirt and Van Nistelrooy's 2004-06 Netherlands shirt, marked "Authentic" on its own label, are both player issue rather than match-worn pieces.
Chelsea's two player issue shirts from the same era
Chelsea contributes two player issue shirts from around the same period: Torres's 2011-12 away shirt and Drogba's 2011-12 home shirt from the Champions League campaign that season, both cut to squad specification rather than sold as standard retail stock. Newcastle United's Cisse shirt and Italy's Insigne shirt round out the collection from two very different competitions.
Good to know
- Does player issue mean a specific player wore this exact shirt?
- No, it means the shirt was made to the squad's own cut and specification, not that it was worn in a match by a named player.
- How is player issue different from match issue?
- Match issue shirts were handed to a player for an actual game, while player issue only refers to the shirt being made to squad specification rather than retail standard.
- How is player issue different from replica?
- Replica shirts are cut looser and printed for retail sale, while player issue shirts match the fabric, cut and finishing the squad itself used.
- Is shipping free?
- Shipping is free within the Netherlands and Belgium from 100 euros, and worldwide from 150 euros. Everything ships with track and trace.
