Roberto Baggio. Bobby B. Il Divin Codino. For many, the little Italian personifies all that was wonderful about football in the 90s. The swerves, the flicks, the tricks and the dodgy barnet all combined to create the decade’s essential trequartista.
If you have yet to enjoy the Netflix film dedicated to him, please do so at once – firstly, to remind yourself how good he was at kicking a ball around, and then to bask in the many sensational football shirts he wore during his long and winding career.
Now is probably a good time to remind you that we designed a tee in homage to Roberto and the way he made us feel when he played the game.
We’ve also spent hours delving through the archives to pick out the five shirts we think were the best he ever wore.
Vicenza Home - Adidas
Baggio began his career in Serie C1 (the Italian third division) wearing the jersey of Lanerossi Vicenza – a team bearing a woollen mill as the symbol on the jersey. In his time at Vicenza, Roberto mainly wore Adidas kits like the one in this photo. Buy Vicenza shirts here.
Fiorentina Home - NR
Another milestone in Baggio's career was his move from Vicenza to Fiorentina. With La Viola, Roberto’s star began to shine. Among the many jerseys worn by Baggio in Florence, this version, made by the iconic NR brand with the emblem of the historic fleur-de-lis of Florence, stands out. Buy Fiorentina shirts here.
Juventus Home - Kappa
Baggio's move from Fiorentina to Juventus caused much discussion at the time. It seems, in fact, that the player himself was opposed to it. The need for lira meant Fiorentina had to sell to arch-enemy Juventus. With the Bianconeri, Baggio would wear many jerseys that have become iconic, one of the most beautiful being this home version with the UPIM sponsor and tricolour rosette for winning the Coppa Italia the previous season. Buy Juventus shirts here.
Italia 1994 Home - Diadora
By now everyone will be waiting for perhaps the most iconic jersey of Baggio's entire career, the one worn at USA 94. Wearing the shirt supplied by the Italian brand Diadora, Baggio led the Azzurri all the way to the final against Brazil, but missed the decisive penalty that sealed the Italian national team's defeat. Baggio still says today that he often thinks back to that heartbreak. Buy Italy shirts here.
Brescia Away - Kappa
Brescia was the last stop in Baggio's career. It was a fruitful period nonetheless, which included a last appearance in a Milan-Brescia match with the entire San Siro stadium on its feet applauding him. It was in the very last match of his career that Baggio wore this away shirt that has become a must for many collectors. Shop Italian club shirts here.