Remembering the success of a nation at a major football tournament also sparks images of iconic players, moments and especially the kits that the teams wore.
From Van Basten’s volley in the Netherland’s orange patterned jersey, to Gazza’s sensational strike against Scotland whilst wearing England’s blue-collared Euro ’96 strip, some of these kits never go out of fashion.
The 1980s and 1990s are two decades well known for flashy, bold, iconic kits worn by some of football’s biggest European legends.
Netherlands 1988
In 1988, the Netherlands were a force to be reckoned with, and they won the Euros following a sensational tournament in true 80s style kit. Their orange patterned shirt with tinges of white was sponsored by Adidas, and the team representing the iconic kit was jam-packed full of footballing legends.
Led by Ajax master Rinus Michels, a world-class squad containing many of Hollands best, including Frank Rijkaard, Ronald Koeman, Ruud Gullit, and Marco van Basten guided them to their first-ever major international tournament win.
Van Basten’s audacious volley from an impossible angle at the back post in the 2-0 final win against the Soviet Union was the defining image of a memorable tournament for De Oranjes.
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/540994973966942932/
France 1984
France have played in some of the best kits in international football. Aptly nicknamed Les Blues, their 1984 kit represents the nation’s flag, with a block blue broken by subtle red and white lines.
Donned by France icon Michel Platini and co, the shirt is memorable for its sleek look but also remembered as the shirt worn for France’s first-ever Euro’s victory.
Platini was the main man for France in 1984. The classy midfielder finished the tournament with an incredible nine goals in five matches, a Euros record that still stands today.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/164465651321
West Germany 88
Feared as a football-playing machine, the West Germany side of 1988 were an intimidating group of players including, Lothar Matthäus, Rudi Völler and Jurgen Klinsmann.
Their kit for the 88 Euros matched the fearsome demeanour of a strong squad. The white top broken up by a sash of German flag colours, black, red and yellow was iconic during the tournament.
The kit immediately drums up memories of Germany’s massive semi-final clash against eventual winners Holland. The Netherlands had not beaten Germany for 32 years before the match and, despite Lothar Matthäus opening the scoring in the second half, Ronald Koeman and Marco van Basten wrote themselves into Dutch folklore with two late goals to reach the final.
https://store.footballshirtcollective.com/products/1988-90-adidas-west-germany-home-shirt-m
Sweden 1992
The early 90s saw some of the most bolshy football kits ever made. Bright colours and outrageous patterns were nearly as engaging as the football on the pitch.
Sweden’s 1992 Euros kit captured 90s fashion in its entirely. Bright yellow tops and socks were broken up by blue shorts, but an opposing blue and yellow diagonal sash from the top to the shorts added even more eye-catching elements.
After qualifying as hosts, Sweden had their most successful tournament ever at Euro 1992. Their strong squad qualified from a group containing England, France and Denmark, and they progressed to the semi-final before losing to West Germany.
https://classic-shirts.com/product-eng-159282-1992-94-SWEDEN-SHIRT-M.html
England 1996
England’s Euro ’96 campaign was one of their best ever in a major tournament. On home soil, the Three Lions reached the semi-finals following their best performance in a Euros since 1968. It was all achieved whilst wearing an iconic block white shirt, with a huge three lions badge front and centre and a subtle dark blue collar.
As with previous good runs for England, the tournament ended in a heartbreak following a penalty elimination against old foes Germany in the semi-finals. But some iconic moments paid tribute to the iconic shirt. Gazza’s solo goal against Scotland and Stuart Pearce’s roar after scoring his penalty in the semi-final shoot out in a memorable tournament for England.
https://www.globalfootballshirts.com/1996-england-football-shirt-4-1-v-netherlands-small-3150-p.asp
Honourable mention – Scotland away kits
In terms of other UK home nations, Scotland has had some pretty special away kits, several of them boldly sporting salmon pink. There was the weird splurge slash one, the blue bar orange one and the extremely sassy and smart pin stripe pink one.
Along with the other home nation Wales, Scotland and England will be looking to go far in the Euros this year and fans around the globe are hoping it will be one of the most exciting tournaments in years. For the first time the tournament will be held in 11 host cities around Europe.
There are some big name players who will be missing from this year’s tournament but it sure is one we are looking forward to.