The history of gold in football

In football, there is one color that represents glory more than any other: gold, the color of triumph. It embellishes many of the sport’s most coveted trophies, like the one sculpted by Silvio Gazzaniga, the symbol of the World Cup. Gold has also become a signature element for many football icons: just think of the Brazilian national team, universally known as the *Verdeoro*. It’s also the color of the most prestigious individual awards, such as the Golden Boot or the Ballon d’Or.

A celebratory, iconic color: the very one chosen by nss sports for the cover of its new book, Les Vêtements de Football – The Golden Age of Football Jerseys, the second volume in the series. After all, no other color could better express the concept behind this project. We are living through the golden age of football jerseys: yet another cultural transformation of a garment now recognized not only as sportswear but as a symbol of identity. So let’s retrace, step by step, the golden icons that have defined an entire football aesthetic.

Manchester United's Reversible Jersey

The 2001/02 season was average for the Red Devils: third place in the league and a Champions League semifinal, considering the level maintained under Sir Alex Ferguson in the 2000s. But the season is remembered for one unique piece: the Third kit, reversible — gold on one side, black and white on the other. Even more striking when worn by David Beckham.

The Total 90s and Beyond

Boots also played a role in this golden narrative. Before the many colorways of the Total 90, it was Zinedine Zidane’s adidas Predator Precision that became the quintessential golden boots — a model gifted to him in 2000 after being named World Player of the Year.

Argentina’s Commemorative iPhones

As mentioned, gold is the color of triumph. And it’s with gold that we remember Argentina’s historic 2022 World Cup win with Lionel Messi. The superstar gifted each teammate a 24-karat gold-plated iPhone 14 Pro, crafted by IDG. Iconic, flashy, perfect.

Neymar Jr. and Ronaldo Nazario's Outfits

There are real gems hidden in the corners of the web. Among them, photos from the Rio Carnival 2014 featuring Ronaldo Nazario in a full gold outfit, on a float dedicated to him — a tribute to the 2002 World Cup win. A wild look, almost as wild as Neymar Jr.’s during the 2018 Ligue 1 Best Player awards ceremony.

R10, Ronaldinho’s Signature Line

Ronaldinho, too, had a personal collection created with Nike: the R10 line. Naturally — adorned with golden accents throughout. But then again, what better color to represent the dazzling talent of the *Gaucho*?

Karim Benzema’s Bandage

It feels like ages ago that Karim Benzema won the Ballon d’Or. To celebrate, adidas shared a genius image on social media: his iconic hand wrap, but in gold.

Les Vêtements de Football – The Golden Age of Football Jerseys

nss sports couldn’t miss its place in football’s golden history. The book Les Vêtements de Football – The Golden Age of Football Jerseys, set to release in the coming days, features interviews, reports, stories, roundtables, and conversations. As always, we explore the bond between football and fashion from a unique angle. Inside the volume you’ll also find original slogans, memes by Pathetic, illustrations by Greek artist Apostolis Dimitropoulos, and much more — all wrapped in a strictly golden cover.

The preorder is available now on our e-commerce at this link.