Goalkeeper jerseys, club or training

Why the goalkeeper's shirt is never the same colour as the team

The goalkeeper's shirt has had a distinct colour since 1909, when the rules required goalkeepers to wear a shirt different from their teammates, initially scarlet, royal blue or white; green was added to the list a few years later and became the iconic colour for the position for a long time. Today, Law 4 simply requires each goalkeeper to wear colours that distinguish them from other players and referees. Professional clubs therefore design several goalkeeper shirts each year to match the opponent's kit, and sportswear manufacturers offer a wide range of bright colours.

Goalkeeper shirts by brand, for children and complete kits

To filter by brand, the page adidas gathers the goalkeeper shirts of clubs outfitted by the three stripes brand, the page Macron includes the team shirts from the Bologna brand, and the page Uhlsport features the models from the German brand. Young goalkeepers can find their sizes in the children’s goalkeeper shirts. To complete the outfit, pair the shirt with goalkeeper shorts or trousers, or go for matching goalkeeper sets.

Club goalkeeper shirt or team shirt: two uses

The club goalkeeper shirt replicates the kit worn by the number one of a professional team. adidas has been dressing the Real Madrid since 1998, Juventus since 2015, and Liverpool since 2025, alongside Arsenal or Benfica, while the goalkeeper shirt from OM offered here is by Puma. The team shirt, on the other hand, is for playing: the Uhlsport Save features TPU prints on the elbows and fitted sleeves, the Macron Corvus Eco combines a breathable micro-mesh back with ventilated inserts on the sides, and the Hummel Essential protects the elbows with padding. These team models can be customised with the name and number of each goalkeeper.

Supporter version or authentic, long sleeves or short

For a club shirt, the supporter version has a looser cut and, at adidas, is made of AEROREADY fabric with a badge often embroidered; the authentic version, the players’ version, is tailored to fit closely, in lighter HEAT.RDY fabric, with a heat-applied badge. For playing, the question is mainly about sleeve length: long sleeves protect the forearms on hard pitches and in winter, while short sleeves keep you cooler in summer, with a base layer if needed. If you are between two sizes, or looking for a larger size, choose the bigger one: a goalkeeper shirt should allow for free shoulder movement.

Peak times to buy a goalkeeper shirt

The goalkeeper shirt of your favourite club remains a highly sought-after gift: Black Friday and the holiday season are the best times to snag one. The winter sales and the French Days for goalkeeper gear in spring take over. The shirts from previous collections go on sale when clubs unveil their new models, and goalkeeper gear promotions accompany the summer sales, just before training resumes.

Retro goalkeeper shirts from Denmark

The goalkeeper shirts inspired by Denmark evoke two great moments in Danish football. In 1986, the national team played in its first World Cup in Mexico; in 1992, called up at the last minute to replace Yugoslavia, they won the Euro by beating Germany two-nil in the final in Gothenburg, bolstered by Peter Schmeichel's saves, including his famous save of Marco van Basten's penalty in the semi-final. Available in children's sizes, these retro shirts allow young goalkeepers to play while paying homage to one of the greatest surprises in European football history.

Frequently asked questions

Can you personalise a goalkeeper shirt with your name?

Yes, a goalkeeper shirt can be personalised just like a player’s shirt, with a name and a number on the back, usually 1 or 16 for goalkeepers. For a team shirt, make sure it's applied at low temperature to avoid damaging the padded or printed areas.

What size goalkeeper shirt should I get for a child?

Choose the size based on their height in centimetres rather than their age, and check that the sleeves end at the wrist. A slightly loose shirt remains comfortable with a base layer in winter, but if it's too big, it can hinder diving and ball control.

Can a club goalkeeper shirt be used in amateur matches?

Yes, there’s nothing preventing you from playing in a professional club goalkeeper shirt, as long as its colour distinguishes you from the players and referees. Opt for a long-sleeved model if playing on hard ground, as these shirts usually lack elbow protection.

How do you wash a personalised goalkeeper shirt?

Turn it inside out, wash it at thirty degrees without fabric softener, and never put it in the tumble dryer, as this can crack the printing and flocking. Also avoid ironing the name and number, or iron on the reverse side with a protective cloth.

What is a Third goalkeeper shirt?

The Third is the third kit of a club, after the home and away shirts. For the goalkeeper, it provides an additional colour, useful when their other two shirts clash with the opponent's kit or that of the referee.