VFL Bochum 1997-99 Third Faber Player Issue Hofmann Shirt

VFL Bochum 1997-99 — The Faber Sports Wear Third Kit with Hofmann Printing, Authentic Player Issue

In the late 90s, the Bundesliga was in full swing and VFL Bochum fought season after season to maintain its position in the German elite. This long-sleeved third kit in XXL size, supplied by Faber Sports Wear and bearing the Hofmann printing, is an authentic Player Issue — not a replica, not a fan jersey, but a piece that almost graced the pitches of the Ruhr.

Jersey Details

Season: 1997-1999
Club: VFL Bochum
Type: Third
Kit Manufacturer: Faber Sports Wear
Sponsor: FABER LOTTO SERVICE
Condition: 9/10
State: SPONSOR: FABER LOTTO SERVICE — authentic wear of a worn vintage jersey, in exceptional condition for a piece of this age

What this jersey represents

VFL Bochum in the late 90s was a club that perfectly embodied the DNA of Ruhr football — hard-working, combative, never giving up. Between 1997 and 1999, the club navigated the troubled waters of the mid-table Bundesliga, far from the spotlight of the big teams but strong enough never to sink. It was a time when loyalty to the club took precedence over overly ambitious goals, and that was evident in every match at the Ruhrstadion.

It was also the period when players like Dariusz Wosz, the technical maestro of the Bochum midfield, delighted the stands with his inspirations. Goalkeeper Rein van Duijnhoven and defensive warriors formed a compact, difficult-to-maneuver group. The Hofmann printing on this jersey refers to one of those unsung heroes who helped keep Bochum in the top flight season after season.

Moments etched in this jersey

A hard-fought battle for Bundesliga survival, season after season
VFL Bochum during this period always managed to find the necessary resources to stay in the German top flight, which in itself represents a form of performance in a league as competitive as the Bundesliga of the 90s. Holding their own against Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, or Bayer Leverkusen with a limited squad was already quite an achievement.

Dariusz Wosz, the technical gem at the heart of Bochum's play
This attacking midfielder of Polish origin represented one of the few sources of creativity in a decidedly pragmatic team. His ability to emerge from free kicks or launch quick counter-attacks gave VFL Bochum that unpredictable dimension that made hard-fought away draws almost joyful for the fans.

Faber Sports Wear, the local kit manufacturer and the regional dimension of the club
While most European clubs of that era were starting to shift towards large sportswear multinationals, VFL Bochum maintained a partnership with Faber Sports Wear, a kit manufacturer rooted in German football culture. This choice says something essential about the club's identity — a certain resistance to the prevailing consumerism of 90s football.

Authentic vs. Replica

A Player Issue jersey is a category all its own in the world of vintage collector's jerseys. It's not a jersey intended for sale in stores, nor a simple enlarged replica — it's a piece prepared for the professional locker room, with the finishes, materials, and printing corresponding to the standards of the time for players. The difference is visible and felt in the hand of the fabric, the quality of the flocking, and the construction details.

This one, in 9/10 condition, is remarkably well-preserved for a jersey of this generation. The sponsor Faber Lotto Service is clearly present and legible, the Hofmann printing holds perfectly — these are precisely the kinds of details that make a 90s authentic Bundesliga jersey valuable in the vintage football market.

Vintage Size Guide

90s vintage sizes do not correspond to current standards, even for an XXL. The cuts of that era are generally shorter, with wider shoulders and a different drape than what modern jerseys offer. A vintage XXL might correspond to a contemporary XL depending on the brand, and here Faber Sports Wear generally follows the German cut conventions of the time — generous in shoulder width, a little short in body length.

Before confirming your order, take the time to measure a jersey you already own and find to be your size. Then compare it with the actual measurements of this piece. Chest width and total length are the two key measurements to check — that's consistently where surprises arise with vintage XXL jerseys. Don't hesitate to contact us for exact measurements if you have any doubts.

Why have it in your collection

The Faber Sports Wear VFL Bochum jerseys from the late 90s are among the hardest pieces to find on the German vintage football jersey market. The regional kit manufacturer, the third version — thus produced in much smaller quantities than the home or away kits — and the Player Issue status with printing: this triple combo makes it a seriously rare piece. Bundesliga collections from that era suffer from a general lack of documentation, making each find even more precious.

In 9/10 condition, there aren't many in this state on the market — and even fewer with intact player printing. This jersey has survived almost thirty years without significant wear, which is quite incredible for a piece that was originally intended for use on the field. Whether you are a specialized collector of vintage Bundesliga or simply a fan of authentic German football, this is the kind of jersey you regret not having acquired when the opportunity rarely arises.

To go further

• VFL Bochum - Wikipedia
• Football Kit Archive - Kit History
• UEFA - European Football

A 90s VFL Bochum third Player Issue jersey with printing in 9/10 condition doesn't stick around for long — if you're here, you've got a good eye.