AZ Alkmaar 2018-19 Home Under Armour AFAS vintage L Shirt

AZ Alkmaar 2018-19 Home Under Armour Jersey — The AFAS Software Era

In the 2018-19 season, AZ Alkmaar was undergoing reconstruction under an ambitious staff, and this Under Armour home jersey proudly bears the AFAS Software logo on the chest — a commercial partnership symbolizing the North Holland club's regional and economic roots. This isn't a showpiece jersey; it's a workhorse jersey, worn by a team that was soon to become a force in Dutch football once again.

Jersey Details

Season: 2018-2019
Club: AZ Alkmaar (Eredivisie, Netherlands)
Type: Home
Kit Manufacturer: Under Armour
Sponsor: AFAS SOFTWARE
Size: L
Condition: 9/10
State: AFAS Software sponsor well-preserved — authentic and minimal wear for a worn vintage jersey, in remarkable condition

What this jersey represents

In 2018-19, AZ Alkmaar was going through an intense but promising transitional period. The Alkmaar club, two-time Dutch champions (1981 and 2009), was rebuilding a strong identity after seasons of fluctuation. Under the leadership of John van den Brom and then Arne Slot, who would take over shortly after, the sporting project was clear: build a cohesive team, develop young talents, and permanently re-establish themselves in the top 3 of the Eredivisie.

This season saw the emergence of players who would become key figures in AZ's renewal. Myron Boadu, the prodigious striker from the academy, began to make his mark. Calvin Stengs did the same, as did Owen Wijndal, who gradually established himself on the left flank. This 2018-19 jersey is the penultimate Under Armour season — the American kit manufacturer would outfit AZ until 2019 — and it carries the seeds of a team on the verge of exploding.

Moments etched in this jersey

A tight Eredivisie season
AZ finished this season in a solid position at the top of the Dutch league, confirming their return to the competitive elite of Dutch football. The AFAS Stadion vibrated once again, and supporters rediscovered the taste of important victories.

The rise of young talents
It was during this pivotal season that AZ's academy players began to establish themselves in the first team, foreshadowing the exceptional group that would finish second in the Eredivisie 2019-20 when the season was prematurely halted due to the pandemic. This jersey is direct evidence of that period.

The last Under Armour era in Alkmaar
Under Armour has not outfitted AZ since 2019, making every jersey from this period particularly sought after by collectors of vintage Dutch jerseys. The partnership lasted several seasons, leaving behind jerseys with a recognizable style among connoisseurs.

Authentic vs Replica

An authentic vintage jersey is not a mass-produced copy for tourists. It's the actual technical garment, designed to be worn on or near the field, with the finishes, fabrics, and manufacturing details specific to the era and kit manufacturer. Here, we're talking about authentic Under Armour, with all the textile technicality that the American brand applied to its professional sports ranges.

This specimen displays a condition of 9/10, which is frankly rare for a jersey that has truly lived. The AFAS Software flocking is intact, the seams hold well, the fabric shows no noticeable discoloration. For a jersey of this generation, it's a level of preservation that will make any collector of retro football jerseys smile.

Vintage Sizing Guide

Vintage football jerseys do not follow current standards. An L from 2018-19 by Under Armour will often be closer to a modern M, especially because the cuts at the time were more fitted, designed for professional footballers' builds. Don't rely solely on the letter indicated on the label.

Before finalizing your order, measure your chest circumference and compare it with the actual dimensions of the jersey. If you usually wear a current L with a broad build, this jersey will probably fit you well. If in doubt, do not hesitate to contact us — we prefer the jersey to fit you perfectly rather than remain at the bottom of a drawer.

Why have it in your collection

AZ Alkmaar Under Armour jerseys have become sought-after pieces in the market for vintage Dutch jerseys. The brand left the club in 2019, and references that remain in good condition are becoming increasingly rare. Add to that the AFAS Software sponsor — a long-standing club partner — and you have a piece that tells the story of a specific, pivotal period in AZ's recent history.

There aren't many in this condition, seriously. A 9/10 for a match jersey from that era is almost impossible to find elsewhere. Whether you're an AZ fan, a lover of Dutch football, an Under Armour collector, or simply someone who recognizes the value of a well-preserved rare item — this jersey belongs in a true collection.

To go further

• AZ Alkmaar - Wikipedia
• Football Kit Archive - History of jerseys
• UEFA - European Football

This AZ 2018-19 jersey is a time capsule of a key period — before the big breakthrough, when everything was still being built. If you let it pass, someone else won't think twice.