Since its inception in 1960, the European Championships have witnessed an array of striking kits worn by nations vying for footballing glory. With each tournament boasting its own collection of home, away, and goalkeeper attire, the stage has been set for memorable designs that have left lasting impressions on fans and critics alike.
Amidst the plethora of kits showcased over the years, selecting the finest and most forgettable has proven to be a daunting task. Nevertheless, with meticulous scrutiny, The Athletic has curated a list of five exemplary designs and five lamentable missteps, offering a glimpse into the diverse world of football fashion.
Crafted by creative minds and steeped in history, these kits have become iconic symbols of national pride and sporting excellence. From timeless classics to regrettable experiments, let us embark on a journey through the best and worst of Euros attire.
The Best
5. Italy (2020 – Home)
With its understated elegance and intricate detailing, Italy’s 2020 home kit stands as a testament to simplicity and sophistication. Featuring a sleek black collar and subtle Renaissance-inspired motifs, this design exudes timeless charm. Whether worn by Giorgio Chiellini on the field or envisioned on historical figures such as Christopher Columbus or Leonardo Da Vinci, the Italian jersey epitomizes effortless style and grace.
4. France (1984 – Home)
Transporting us back to the golden era of French football, the 1984 home kit embodies the spirit of creative flair and panache that defined Les Bleus’ triumphant campaign. This iconic design, immortalized by Adidas, captures the essence of French footballing glory with its bold aesthetic and vibrant color scheme. As fans reminisce about unforgettable moments on the pitch, the memory of France’s Euro 1984 triumph is forever intertwined with the image of this legendary kit.
3. Denmark (1992 – GK, Home)
In the annals of football history, few kits have achieved the level of singular brilliance exhibited by Denmark’s 1992 goalkeeper jersey. Worn by Peter Schmeichel during the Euro 92 final, this vibrant ensemble captivated audiences with its striking colors and unique pentagon mesh pattern. As Schmeichel stood between the posts, clad in this mesmerizing attire, he epitomized the spirit of Danish dynamism and determination that led to an improbable European Championship victory.
2. Croatia (1996 – Home)
Marking the dawn of a new era for Croatian football, the 1996 home kit by Lotto heralded a period of unparalleled success and global recognition. With its distinctive red and white checkered design, this iconic jersey became synonymous with Croatian footballing identity. As Zvonimir Boban, Davor Suker, and Alen Boksic dazzled on the pitch, clad in this historic kit, Croatia captivated the world with its remarkable talent and unwavering determination.
1. Netherlands (1988 – Home)
A masterpiece of design and a triumph of footballing achievement, the Netherlands’ 1988 home kit occupies a hallowed place in the pantheon of football jerseys. Worn by legends such as Marco van Basten during the Euro 88 final, this iconic shirt embodies the essence of Dutch footballing excellence. With its innovative design and timeless appeal, the Dutch jersey continues to inspire generations of football fans, serving as a symbol of national pride and sporting prowess.
The Worst
5. Soviet Union (1960 – Home)
Despite its purported symbolism and historical significance, the Soviet Union’s 1960 home kit fails to impress with its uninspired design and lackluster execution. While Lev Yashin’s all-black goalkeeper attire may offer a modicum of aesthetic appeal, the accompanying red jersey falls short of expectations, resembling a rudimentary template devoid of creativity or flair.
4. Croatia (2024 – Home)
In a departure from tradition and a departure from taste, Croatia’s 2024 home kit elicits bewilderment and disappointment with its disjointed design and lack of cohesion. Despite the nation’s storied history of iconic kits, this recent iteration fails to capture the essence of Croatian footballing identity, opting instead for a garish ensemble reminiscent of amateur flower arranging.
3. Germany (2024 – Away)
In a puzzling departure from convention, Germany’s 2024 away kit veers into the realm of aesthetic calamity with its jarring color scheme and perplexing design elements. While Adidas may have intended to evoke the digital world of the metaverse, the end result is a dissonant mishmash of hues that elicits more confusion than admiration.
2. Spain (2016 – Away)
Amidst a sea of forgettable designs, Spain’s 2016 away kit stands out as a glaring example of fashion faux pas and sartorial missteps. With its chaotic arrangement of random triangles and lackluster color palette, this ill-conceived ensemble fails to resonate with fans or critics, serving as a cautionary tale of design gone awry.
1. England (1996 – GK, Away)
Eclipsing all contenders for the dubious title of worst Euro kit of all time, England’s 1996 goalkeeper away kit epitomizes the nadir of footballing fashion. With its haphazard combination of clashing colors and nonsensical motifs, this abominable creation defies all logic and reason, leaving spectators aghast and players disgraced. As David Seaman reluctantly donned this monstrosity on the pitch, fans could only lament the indignity inflicted upon the beautiful game.
