GAZZA: THIRTY YEARS OF SHIRT!
BY JAMES WEATHERUP
A FOOTBALL shirt worn by Paul Gascoigne and the England team at Italia 90 is now the No1 selling retro footie top ahead of the World Cup.
The plain white design with dark navy trim and Three Lions badge was famously seen on Gazza as he wept tears of frustration after being booked during a semi-final clash with Germany.
Gazza’s heartbreaking display of emotion won him a special place in the nation’s emotions more than 30 years ago, despite England subsequently crashing out of the tournament during a penalty shoot-out.
Retail giant Sports Direct yesterday said the iconic 1990 design is now its best-selling retro football top, in conjunction with heritage shirt manufacturer Score Draw.
The high street retailer is celebrating the FIFA World Cup 2026 by launching a campaign entitled ‘When Football Was Football’ that will be hosted by comedy personality Steve Bracknall, creator of fictional football club Royal Oak FC.
Retail experts say demand is at an all-time high for England and Scotland retro football shirts, featuring timeless designs from previous international tournaments. The size of the retro market has doubled since the last World Cup in 2022.
Other top-sellers include England’s Euro 96 shirt worn by the likes of Gareth Southgate, Scotland’s 1996 shirt worn by stars such as Gary McAllister and Colin Hendry, and the 2004 England shirt worn by David Beckham and team.
Steve Bracknall commented: “There is nothing quite like a World Cup. For a few weeks, football becomes much more than just a game. Families pile round the telly, mates end up in the pub together and suddenly everyone becomes an expert of formations. It brings people together - young, old, lifelong fans and even those who only show up for the major tournaments. It taps into the feeling of pride, excitement and togetherness that only football can do. That’s what I love about this campaign. It's a reminder of why the game means so much to so many of us.”
A Sports Direct spokesperson said: “‘When Football Was Football’ is a celebration of the traditions, personalities, and shirts that made fans fall in love with the game, while connecting that nostalgia to a new generation.”