One of the most recognizable postgame traditions in soccer is the jersey exchange.
After the final whistle, it is common to see players from opposing teams remove their shirts and swap them with an opponent as a gesture of respect and appreciation.
The tradition creates memorable moments of sportsmanship—and occasionally produces iconic images. One famous example came after France’s 2022 World Cup semifinal win over Morocco, when Kylian Mbappé celebrated wearing the jersey of his then-Paris Saint-Germain teammate and Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi.
But where did the tradition come from, and why do players do it? Let’s take a look.
Why Do Soccer Players Exchange Jerseys?
Jersey swaps are one of soccer’s simplest yet most meaningful traditions, with players exchanging shirts as a sign of respect, admiration and appreciation after sharing the field.
It is not a practice reserved only for the biggest stars, either. Players at every level swap jerseys to commemorate special matches, standout performances, or hard-fought battles where mutual respect has been earned.
However, it is the exchanges involving global superstars that usually capture the most attention.
For many players, receiving the shirt of one of soccer’s biggest icons is a career-defining moment. That is why players such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Erling Haaland are regularly approached by opponents hoping to secure a piece of memorabilia from someone they admire. At the 2026 World Cup, Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha did exactly that, swapping shirts with Messi in the tunnel after Argentina’s dramatic 3–2 win, later saying the moment would stay in his “heart forever.”
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