{"product_id":"1998-00-czech-republic-12-longsleeve-player-issue","title":"Czech Republic Away Puma 1998-2000 Player Issue Shirt","description":"\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.8em;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:16px;\"\u003eCzech Republic Away Puma 1998-2000 Shirt — Long Sleeve Player Issue #12\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:1.1em;line-height:1.8;margin-bottom:20px;\"\u003eBetween Euro 1996 and the qualifications for Euro 2000, the \u003cstrong\u003ePuma 1998-2000 Czech Republic team\u003c\/strong\u003e was one of the most respected national teams on the continent. This \u003cstrong\u003elong-sleeved Player Issue number 12 away shirt\u003c\/strong\u003e is not just a souvenir — it's a piece worn by a professional, on pitches across Europe, during one of the most intense phases of the Czech national team's history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.4em;font-weight:bold;margin-top:28px;margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003eShirt details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height:2;margin-bottom:20px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeason:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1998-2000\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClub:\u003c\/strong\u003e Czech Republic\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Away\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKit manufacturer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Puma\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSponsor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Away Shirt\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e 9\/10\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Player Issue (authentic player version)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial feature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long sleeves — flocked number 12\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.4em;font-weight:bold;margin-top:28px;margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003eWhat this shirt represents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height:1.8;margin-bottom:14px;\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eCzech Republic of the late 90s\u003c\/strong\u003e was a nation that instilled fear on the international stage. Born from the separation of Czechoslovakia in 1993, it took less than three years to prove its worth: the \u003cstrong\u003eEuro 1996 final in England\u003c\/strong\u003e against Germany remains etched in memory. A team built on a solid collective, a confident technical game, and top-tier individual talents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:1.1em;line-height:1.8;margin-bottom:20px;\"\u003eThe 1998-2000 period corresponds to the qualification campaigns for \u003cstrong\u003eEuro 2000 hosted in Belgium and the Netherlands\u003c\/strong\u003e. The Czech group navigated demanding qualifiers, always with the core of players playing in the best European leagues. Names like \u003cstrong\u003ePavel Nedvěd\u003c\/strong\u003e, then on the rise at Lazio, \u003cstrong\u003eKarel Poborský\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003ePatrik Berger\u003c\/strong\u003e carried the national team during these years. Players who made you want to wear the shirt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.4em;font-weight:bold;margin-top:28px;margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003eMoments etched in this shirt\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height:1.8;margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe legacy of Euro 1996\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEven though this shirt dates from after, it directly follows in the footsteps of a golden generation. The Czech Republic had reached the final of the \u003cstrong\u003e1996 European Championship\u003c\/strong\u003e, beating France in the quarter-finals and Portugal in the semi-finals — an epic journey that laid the foundations for the international credibility of this national team.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height:1.8;margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEuro 2000 qualifications\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDuring the 1998-2000 period, the \u003cstrong\u003eCzech national team faced tough European opponents\u003c\/strong\u003e in the qualification group. This away shirt was worn during these decisive away matches, far from Bohemia, in contexts where every point mattered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height:1.8;margin-bottom:20px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA Player Issue version — real pro gear\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is not the retail version. \u003cstrong\u003ePlayer Issue\u003c\/strong\u003e refers to the exact same model used by players in matches — a more fitted cut, reinforced finishes, direct flocking on professional fabric. The number \u003cstrong\u003e12\u003c\/strong\u003e reminds us that someone, somewhere, put on this shirt before stepping onto an international pitch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.4em;font-weight:bold;margin-top:28px;margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003eAuthentic vs. Replica\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height:1.8;margin-bottom:14px;\"\u003eAn \u003cstrong\u003eauthentic vintage Player Issue shirt\u003c\/strong\u003e is in a different category than the replica sold in stores at the time. The cut is different, the materials are different, the finishing details are different. We're talking about technical clothing designed to be worn by a professional footballer in match conditions — not to be folded in a sports store drawer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height:1.8;margin-bottom:20px;\"\u003eThis one boasts a \u003cstrong\u003econdition of 9\/10\u003c\/strong\u003e, which is exceptional for a piece that is between 24 and 26 years old. At this rating, we're not talking about a \"well-preserved\" shirt — we're talking about a shirt that is in almost impeccable condition, with all its original characteristics preserved. The \u003cstrong\u003e#12 flocking\u003c\/strong\u003e holds, the long sleeves are intact, and the whole thing exudes authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.4em;font-weight:bold;margin-top:28px;margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003eVintage size guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height:1.8;margin-bottom:14px;\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003esizes of vintage 90s shirts\u003c\/strong\u003e do not correspond to current standards. An XL from 1998-2000 is closer to a modern L, or even an M depending on body types. The cuts of the time were more fitted, designed for professional footballers — not for the XXL comfort of contemporary streetwear. Do not order blindly relying solely on the label.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:1.1em;line-height:1.8;margin-bottom:20px;\"\u003eBefore buying, take two essential measurements: the \u003cstrong\u003echest width\u003c\/strong\u003e (from armpit to armpit, multiplied by two) and the \u003cstrong\u003etotal length of the shirt\u003c\/strong\u003e (from the neckline to the hem). Compare with a shirt you wear regularly and that fits you well. This is the only way to be sure that the vintage XL will truly fit you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.4em;font-weight:bold;margin-top:28px;margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003eWhy have it in your collection\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height:1.8;margin-bottom:14px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlayer Issue national team shirts from the 90s\u003c\/strong\u003e are among the most sought-after pieces in the world of \u003cstrong\u003evintage football collecting\u003c\/strong\u003e. The Czech Republic of this era was not an anonymous small nation — it was a team that made its mark on European football history. And a long-sleeved player version away shirt is even rarer than a standard home kit. This type of piece is not easily found.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"line-height:1.8;margin-bottom:20px;\"\u003eIn \u003cstrong\u003e9\/10 condition\u003c\/strong\u003e, we are clearly at the top of the range for a piece of this age. There aren't many in this condition — most shirts from this period have been worn, washed dozens of times, stored haphazardly. A nearly immaculate Player Issue with its original number is the kind of shirt that quickly disappears from serious collectors' displays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size:1.4em;font-weight:bold;margin-top:28px;margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003eTo go further\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"line-height:2.2;margin-bottom:16px;\"\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Czech_Republic_national_football_team\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCzech Republic national football team - Wikipedia\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.footballkitarchive.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eFootball Kit Archive - Shirt history\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.uefa.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eUEFA - European Football\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"font-style:italic;line-height:1.8;\"\u003eIf you're here for pieces with real history and not just a pretty logo, this Puma 1998-2000 Czech Republic Player Issue shirt ticks all the boxes. It's up to you to decide if you're ready to let it pass you by.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Czech Republic","offers":[{"title":"XL","offer_id":54029135937811,"sku":"326581","price":229.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0949\/4839\/3235\/files\/eng_pm_1998-00-CZECH-REPUBLIC-12-LONGSLEEVE-Player-Issue-XL-326581_1.jpg?v=1775699589","url":"https:\/\/supporterid.com\/en\/products\/1998-00-czech-republic-12-longsleeve-player-issue","provider":"SUPPORTER ID®","version":"1.0","type":"link"}