Learn more about Authenticators
Football shirt authenticators and certificates of authenticity
When you buy a signed or match worn shirt you are not only buying the player name. You are also buying trust in the proof that comes with it. Authenticators sit in the middle. They inspect the autograph or shirt, form an opinion and attach a certificate, serial number or digital record you can check later.
As a collector you mainly look at three things: the name on the certificate, the proof on the item and the ability to verify that proof online. On this page you will find the authenticators we work with, what their proof looks like and where to find shirts that use each of them.
Premium authenticators in our collection
Beckett Collectibles
Independent authentication and grading for sports.
For signed football shirts their BAS hologram and COA come with a serial number you can check on Beckett’s website.
ICONS.com
Official licensed partner for many clubs and players.
Their COAs often include signing details and photos from club or player sessions and recently TripleLock technology.
Fabricks
Digital authentication built around NFC tags and match data.
You tap the tag in the shirt, see the match details and confirm the record in their app.
Fanatics
Global sports retailer with official club and league deals.
Their COAs usually cover licensed signings and limited editions sold through their network.
PSA/DNA
Long-standing sports authenticator, especially strong in the US.
Signatures are backed by visible serials and an online database you can check before you buy.
Premium Football Shirts
Authenticators & Auctions
These authenticators and auction houses are seen in the sports collectibles market. Collectors love these brands for their value-for-money or reputation in the market as a niche player.
Panini has always been well known for their trading cards, but they also certify and authenticate football memorabilia.
The UEFA Foundation for Children, established in 2015, leverages football to support children's rights globally, focusing on health, education, and integration.
Christie's authenticates items through expert evaluation, provenance verification, and technical analysis to ensure authenticity and value.
Exclusive Memorabilia ensures authenticity via official signing sessions and Certificates of Authenticity with signing details and photos.
Firma Stella authenticates memorabilia through direct athlete signings, Certificates of Authenticity with matching holograms, and photo or video proof.
CharityStars authenticates auction items by collaborating with reputable partners and providing Certificates of Authenticity when specified.
Other Authenticators
These are the less know authenticators, often niche players on certain football players or freelance authenticators. This also provides opportunities to get your own legend like Maradona or Eusebio for an affordable price on the wall.
Football Shirts Memorabilia offers authentic signed football shirts, each with a Certificate of Authenticity featuring a unique hologram.
EuroSignings authenticates sports memorabilia via ink analysis, signature comparison, and assigns unique serial numbers with tamper-proof holograms.
Associazione Autografia authenticates autographs via expert analysis, issuing Certificates of Authenticity (COA-R) and detailed expert reports.
Signs of Fame authenticates autographs using extensive experience in vintage sports merchandise and specialized studies.
AGON SportsWorld GmbH, established in 1985, specializes in authentic football and Olympic memorabilia, serving collectors worldwide.
Numero14 specializes in authentic football memorabilia, organizing signing sessions with players and providing Certificates of Authenticity.
Learn more about shirt authentication
Prefer to read a bit more before you decide on a shirt? These guides explain how COAs, serial numbers and digital proof work, using real examples from the Walkouts collection.
How to verify COAs and serial numbers
Where to find holograms on a shirt, how to read serial numbers and how to compare an online record with the item in your hands.
Beckett and football shirts, explained
What Beckett grades mean for signed shirts, how they affect value and how their online database helps when you later sell or insure a shirt.
Fabricks NFC match worn proof
How NFC tags, match data and digital records work together on Fabricks-tagged shirts, and what you should see when you tap a tag on your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a third-party authenticator?
A third-party authenticator is an independent company that inspects the autograph or shirt, forms an opinion about the item and records that opinion with a certificate, serial number or digital record. They do not buy or sell the shirt themselves. Their role is to add an extra layer of confidence on top of the seller’s description.
Does an authenticator guarantee that a shirt is match worn?
No. Many authenticators focus on the signature, not on match use. A shirt can be authenticated as signed without any claim that it was worn in a match. When a shirt is sold as match worn, you always check how that is proven, for example Fabricks NFC match data, club documentation or a clear photo match to game imagery.
Can I submit my own shirt to Beckett or Fabricks?
In many cases you can. Beckett and Fabricks both offer services where collectors can send in their own items for authentication, grading or tagging. Each brand explains the options, costs and service levels on its own website, so it is worth checking their current guidelines before you book a submission.
Why does Walkouts work with multiple authenticators?
Different authenticators are strong in different areas. Beckett has deep expertise in signatures and grading. Fabricks focuses on digital match worn proof. Icons and Fanatics bring official club and player relationships. By combining them, Walkouts can offer a broader range of shirts while keeping the level of proof and verification high.