Signed football shirts are not all created equal. Some pieces carry extraordinary market value while others, despite looking similar, may struggle to attract serious collectors. Understanding why some shirts are priced higher than others helps both new and seasoned collectors make better decisions.
Popularity comes first. A shirt signed by a world-renowned player will always command a premium. The star power of legends like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo naturally drives value, but rising stars can surprise the market too. At Walkouts, the first Beckett-authenticated Lamine Yamal shirts have already shown how quickly a player’s signature can skyrocket in value.
The type of shirt is another major factor. Match-worn shirts are unique pieces of football history. In today’s game, players may even wear different shirts in each half, which makes these shirts one-of-a-kind. Just below that are match-issued shirts, prepared for a specific game but not worn. If a match-issued shirt has clear ties to a game, like match details woven in, it becomes more special. Player-issued or commemorative shirts, often gifted directly, also carry strong value. Fanshop shirts add another tier. The most desirable among these are the player-issue versions, built to the same quality standards as the shirts worn on the pitch. Regular fanshop shirts still hold meaning but usually sit lower in value, while replicas from suppliers, especially fake ones, lose almost all collector appeal. Sadly, about 90% of signed shirts on the market come on counterfeit replicas. In collectibles, you truly get what you pay for.
Emotional value matters too. A shirt’s worth is not always measured in money. For many collectors, a signed shirt connects them to a moment of magic, like Van Basten’s volley for AC Milan or Ronald Koeman’s decisive goal for Barcelona in 1992. For those who lived those moments, the emotional connection can outweigh the financial price tag.
Authentication and provenance anchor true value. At Walkouts, we never buy shirts from random sellers. Instead, we build long-term relationships with autograph hunters and trusted suppliers, verifying provenance with photos, videos, or direct signing sessions with players. Each shirt is cross-checked against authenticated signature databases or comes from sources with impeccable reputations. This ensures buyers know exactly what they are getting.
Advice for new collectors. Start small and focus on shirts that carry personal meaning. Display pieces that make you proud. Build trust with reputable suppliers and avoid chasing cheap deals. When in doubt, invest in the best piece you can afford, not the cheapest one available. Over time, your collection will grow in both value and emotional significance.