One of the most iconic football shirts of all time, the 1990–92 West Germany home shirt is instantly recognisable by its bold sash design and historic connection to the 1990 World Cup victory. This post helps collectors verify an original Adidas version from the era.
1990–92 West Germany Home Shirt – Authentication Guide
Shirt Overview
- Team: West Germany
- Seasons: 1990–1992
- Type: Home
- Manufacturer: Adidas (Trefoil era)
- Main Colours: White base with black, red, and gold sash
- Notable Use: 1990 World Cup winners in Italy, last shirt before reunification
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Key Authentication Features
- Trefoil Logo: Black Adidas trefoil stitched on the chest – not printed. Spacing and stitching should be consistent.
- DFB Crest: Fully embroidered Deutscher Fussball-Bund roundel, high thread density with a black eagle on white.
- Sash Graphic: Dyed sublimation – not a print or overlay. Geometric chevron of black, red and gold (yellow) forms a distinctive shoulder-to-shoulder sash with sharp lines.
- Collar: Ribbed round neck with thin trim.
- Back: Plain white back with no player name/number unless match worn.
- Label: Adidas size tag with European sizing and flag indicators (Made in West Germany or other EU states). Should be stitched, not heat-pressed.
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Player Info
Full 1990 West Germany Squad (World Cup winners)
| Player | Position |
|---|---|
| Bodo Illgner | Goalkeeper |
| Raimond Aumann | Goalkeeper |
| Andreas Köpke | Goalkeeper |
| Jürgen Kohler | Defender |
| Klaus Augenthaler | Defender |
| Guido Buchwald | Defender |
| Thomas Berthold | Defender |
| Andreas Brehme | Defender |
| Paul Steiner | Defender |
| Lothar Matthäus | Midfielder |
| Thomas Häßler | Midfielder |
| Olaf Thon | Midfielder |
| Pierre Littbarski | Midfielder |
| Uwe Bein | Midfielder |
| Rudi Völler | Forward |
| Jürgen Klinsmann | Forward |
| Karl-Heinz Riedle | Forward |
| Frank Mill | Forward |
| Stefan Reuter | Utility |
| Hans Pflügler | Utility |
| Karlheinz Förster | Defender |
| Coach: Franz Beckenbauer |
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Season Summary
This shirt was worn throughout the 1990 World Cup in Italy, culminating in West Germany’s 1–0 win over Argentina in the final. It remained in use during the early matches of unified Germany before the 1992 redesign.
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Final Notes
Fakes often struggle with the sash alignment (too high or low), poor-quality crest embroidery, and thin or printed Adidas logos. The geometric design should be crisp and dye-sublimated into the fabric. Any replica without an original-style collar tag or with glossy polyester should be avoided.
This post supports collectors in verifying a genuine 1990–92 West Germany home shirt, one of the most celebrated kits in football history.
