Belgium Home Shirt 2016-17 Adidas Mertens vintage

Belgium Home Jersey 2016-17 Adidas – Dries Mertens flocking, at the peak of his golden generation

2016-17: Dries Mertens is becoming one of Europe's most formidable attackers, transformed into a devastating false nine under Sarri at Napoli, and Belgium is preparing for the final cycle of its golden generation before the 2018 World Cup. This Adidas Belgium home jersey flocked with his name is a historical document of one of the most technical and endearing Red Devils of his generation.

Jersey details

Season: 2016-17
Club: Belgium (Red Devils)
Type: Home
Manufacturer: Adidas
Flocking: DRIES MERTENS
Condition: 9/10

What this jersey represents

Between 2016 and 2018, the Belgian national team is objectively one of the best-equipped national teams in world football. Roberto Martinez's squad boasts talent in every line, from goalkeeper to attackers, and is beginning to transform this abundance into convincing performances on the international stage. This version of the Adidas home jersey accompanies a surging Belgium, methodically preparing for the Russian World Cup.

In this exceptional group, Dries Mertens holds a special place. Less media-savvy than Eden Hazard, less physical than Romelu Lukaku, he compensates with rare game intelligence, surgical first touch, and the ability to step up in important moments. Alongside Kevin De Bruyne, Axel Witsel, and Jan Vertonghen, he embodies this Belgian collective where every piece matters, from the first to the last substitute.

Moments etched in this jersey

2018 World Cup Qualifiers – Group H
Belgium dominated their qualifying group with authority, finishing top with nine wins in ten matches. The Martinez machine was in full swing, and Mertens contributed to this collective effort with decisive national team appearances.

Mertens, historic season at Napoli (2016-17)
In parallel with his national team appearances, Dries Mertens had the best season of his career at Napoli, scoring 34 goals in all competitions and surpassing Diego Maradona's goal record for the Neapolitan club. This context gives additional symbolic value to any jersey with his name from this specific period.

The golden generation at its zenith
It was during this season that Belgium consolidated its status as the world's number one in the FIFA rankings, a position it would hold for a long time. Owning a jersey from this era means holding a testament to a period when the Red Devils were the absolute reference in world football on paper.

Authentic vs. Replica

An authentic vintage jersey is one that was made to be worn on the field or sold as a player version at the time of its release. The finishes are different from a replica: finer and more breathable technical fabrics, more tailored cuts, superior quality embroidery and flocking, meticulous Adidas details that do not fool the eye of an experienced collector.

This jersey is in 9/10 condition, meaning it is in almost impeccable condition for an original of this generation. No discoloration, no tears, no peeling flocking — it's the kind of piece you pull out of a drawer and admire before even thinking about wearing it.

Vintage sizing guide

Adidas jerseys from this era follow cuts that are relatively close to current standards but are generally more fitted than modern "slim fit" or "heat.rdy" versions. A 2016-17 M corresponds roughly to a contemporary M for someone of standard build, but if you are between two sizes, keep in mind that the cut is designed to be slightly snug.

Before confirming your order, take out a tape measure and measure your chest width flat, then compare with the actual measurements of the jersey if they are available. This is the only reliable method to avoid unpleasant surprises with a collector's vintage jersey that cannot simply be returned to a store.

Why have it in your collection

Mertens flocked jerseys specifically from the 2016-17 season are not common. This is precisely the pivotal season of his career, when he went from an excellent winger to a recognized elite goalscorer on a European scale. Associating this peak club form with his national team status during the rise of the Belgian golden generation means holding a piece that tells a coherent and fascinating story.

In 9/10 condition, this jersey is above average for what is usually found on the vintage market. Most examples from this season have been worn, washed dozens of times, and bear the marks of time. This one does not. There aren't many in this condition, and that's well known in the community.

To go further

• Belgium national football team – Wikipedia
• Football Kit Archive – History of jerseys
• UEFA – European Football

If you're looking for a jersey that symbolizes both the best of Mertens and the golden age of the Red Devils, you've come to the right place — it's up to you to decide if you'll let it pass.