1996–98 Russia Home Shirt – Authentication Guide
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Shirt Overview
Team: Russia
Seasons: 1996–98
Type: Home
Manufacturer: Reebok
Primary Colour: White with blue and red trim
Notable Match: Russia vs. Czech Republic (Euro 96 group stage)
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Key Authentication Features
Badge: Embroidered circular crest with blue border and Russian eagle emblem, clean thread work.
Reebok Logo: Blue embroidered vector logo, placed diagonally opposite the crest.
Collar: Distinctive blue v-neck with insert and blue/white pattern on the trim; thick ribbed cotton construction.
Cuffs: Matching trim with blue piping on the sleeve ends.
Material: Slightly textured polyester with a subtle vertical weave.
Inner Label: Reebok size label in blue and red (e.g. “38/40”) with vector logo.
Back: Plain white rear with no pattern.
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Player Info
Russia Squad – Euro 96 & Qualifying Campaign
| Player | Position |
|---|---|
| Stanislav Cherchesov | Goalkeeper |
| Dmitri Kharine | Goalkeeper |
| Sergei Ovchinnikov | Goalkeeper |
| Viktor Onopko | Defender |
| Yuri Nikiforov | Defender |
| Igor Cherevchenko | Defender |
| Dmitri Galyamin | Defender |
| Andrei Kanchelskis | Midfielder |
| Ilya Tsymbalar | Midfielder |
| Valeri Karpin | Midfielder |
| Alexander Mostovoi | Midfielder |
| Dmitri Alenichev | Midfielder |
| Igor Yanovsky | Defender |
| Sergei Semak | Midfielder |
| Sergei Yuran | Forward |
| Oleg Salenko | Forward |
| Vladimir Beschastnykh | Forward |
| Igor Simutenkov | Forward |
| Dmitri Khokhlov | Midfielder |
| Dmitri Radchenko | Forward |
| Coach: Oleg Romantsev | |
| ⸻ | |
| Season Summary | |
| This shirt was worn during Euro 96, where Russia were drawn into a tough group with Germany, Italy, and the Czech Republic. Despite not progressing, they memorably drew 3–3 with the Czech Republic in their final match. The shirt was used again in the early stages of the 1998 World Cup qualifiers. |
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Final Notes
Fakes often feature a thinner collar, misaligned crest, or printed (not embroidered) logos. Authentic Reebok shirts have a dense cotton collar and well-finished stitching.
This post is part of Shirtchecker.com’s mission to help collectors visually authenticate shirts and avoid buying fakes.