VfL Bochum Home Nike 2016-17 Long-Sleeve Jersey

VfL Bochum 2016-17 Nike Long Sleeve Jersey — When the 2. Bundesliga Had a Soul

In 2016-17, VfL Bochum still graced the pitches of the 2. Bundesliga, the German second division, with this long-sleeve Nike home jersey sponsored by GUT. A popular club jersey, for daily struggle, for football without frills — exactly what true football fans look for in a vintage collection.

Jersey details

Season: 2016-2017
Club: VfL Bochum
Type: Home
Manufacturer: Nike
Sponsor: GUT
Size: L Boys (children's size)
Condition: 9/10

What this jersey represents

VfL Bochum is one of those German clubs that has been part of the football landscape for generations. Founded in 1848 — yes, you read that right — this club from the Ruhr had its glory days in the Bundesliga in the 70s and 80s, before navigating between the first and second divisions for two decades. In 2016-17, Bochum played in the 2. Bundesliga, seeking to return to the top flight with determination and a squad built to fight every weekend.

That season, the club was coached by Jens Rasiejewski, and then took a new tactical turn during the year. Players like Anthony Losilla, captain and combative midfielder who became a true club icon, wore this jersey with pride. We also find Robbie Kruse, the Australian international, and Lennart Thy in attack. It's not the cream of the Bundesliga, but it's honest, committed football, played in front of a Vonovia Ruhrstadion that never really empties, even in the second division.

Moments etched in this jersey

A club rooted in the industrial Ruhr
VfL Bochum has never been a superficial club. It represents a working-class city, a strong identity, local football. In 2016-17, the stands of the Vonovia Ruhrstadion remained among the hottest in the German second division, with a fan loyalty that shames many Bundesliga clubs.

Anthony Losilla, the soul of the team
French-Spanish player Anthony Losilla is the perfect symbol of this era in Bochum: discreet in the media, irreplaceable on the field. A hard-working midfielder, he embodies the grit and consistency required in the 2. Bundesliga season after season.

Nike and GUT sponsorship — a typically German combo
The GUT sponsor on this jersey marks a human-scale club football, far from mega commercial deals. Coupled with the Nike swoosh from the mid-2010s era, this long-sleeve jersey exudes a rare authenticity that makes all the charm of pieces from this generation.

Authentic vs Replica

An authentic vintage jersey is not a souvenir from a factory outlet three months ago. It's a garment that lived in its era — whether in the stands, in the locker room, or in the club's official store. The finishes, the internal tags, the period flocking: all of this tells a story that the replica cannot reproduce, regardless of its quality.

This one shows a condition of 9/10, which is frankly excellent for a jersey from this era. No excessive fading, no pulled threads, no visible snags. It's the kind of piece that feels barely used, probably carefully preserved since its release. For a collector, this is exactly what one hopes to find.

Vintage Size Guide

This VfL Bochum long-sleeve jersey is listed as L Boys size, which is a large children's fit. In Nike's nomenclature of the time, an L Boys corresponds approximately to a size for a 12-13 year old child, with a chest circumference around 75-80 cm. For an adult, this size should be considered an XS or even a crop style piece — it all depends on your body type and how you want to wear it.

The classic advice: before confirming your order, take a measuring tape and measure your chest flat, as well as the length of your torso. Then compare with the exact measurements of the product. A poorly fitting vintage jersey is immediately noticeable — and it's a shame for a piece in this condition. If in doubt about precise measurements, do not hesitate to contact the shop directly.

Why have it in your collection

The vintage VfL Bochum jersey remains an underrated piece in the retro football market. Big clubs like Bayern, Dortmund or Schalke dominate the showcases and drive up prices. Bochum, meanwhile, remains discreet — which makes it a real opportunity for the astute collector who wants to stand out with an authentic piece of German second division football. The 2. Bundesliga of the 2010s is an entire part of German football history still too underrepresented in collections.

And with a condition of 9/10, you know exactly what you're buying: a near-new piece, ready to be displayed or proudly worn. There aren't many in this condition, especially for a long-sleeve model that generally wears out faster at the wrists and elbows. This one has obviously been cherished — it's now or never.

To learn more

• VfL Bochum - Wikipedia
• Football Kit Archive - History of jerseys
• UEFA - European Football

A fighting club's jersey, worn by a fighting team — in a condition just waiting to join a serious collection. It's up to you to see if you're ready for the Ruhr.