Borussia Dortmund 1996–97 Home Shirt – Authenticity Guide
The Borussia Dortmund 1996–97 Home Shirt is one of the most iconic kits in the club’s history, worn during their legendary UEFA Champions League-winning campaign. Manufactured by Nike and sponsored by Die Continentale, it became synonymous with players like Matthias Sammer, Karl-Heinz Riedle, and Lars Ricken. Known issues on the second-hand market include fading of the fluorescent fabric, peeling of the black sponsor print, and replicas with incorrect collar shapes or Nike placement.
Shirt Overview
- Club: Borussia Dortmund
- Season: 1996–97
- Type: Home Shirt
- Manufacturer: Nike
- Main Colours: Fluorescent yellow and black
- Sponsor: Die Continentale (front)
- Competition Use: Bundesliga, UEFA Champions League
- Available Versions: Short sleeve and long sleeve, fan replica and player issue
- Retail Release: Summer 1996
Design Details
- Fluorescent yellow base with a wide black chest band
- Fold-over black collar with single-button closure and yellow trim
- Embroidered Borussia Dortmund crest with one star (second added later)
- White Nike Swoosh embroidered on the right chest
- Large black “Die Continentale” sponsor across the chest
- Mesh ventilation zones under arms and down sides
- Official Bundesliga player numbers used white with a black outline; UEFA printing used black only
Variants and Notes
- Champions League Variant: Worn with UEFA sleeve patches; no Bundesliga patch in European games
- Player Issue Versions: Included heat-applied crests, flocked numbers, and lighter material
- Long Sleeve Version: Featured identical design with ribbed black cuffs
- Youth Sizes: Sometimes used screen-printed crest and sponsor instead of embroidery
Player Info
| Player | Appearances (All Competitions) |
|---|---|
| Matthias Sammer | 25 |
| Karl-Heinz Riedle | 41 |
| Lars Ricken | 43 |
| Andreas Möller | 45 |
| Paulo Sousa | 32 |
| Stefan Reuter | 48 |
| Jürgen Kohler | 42 |
| Stefan Klos | 50 |
| Michael Zorc | 30 |
| Martin Kree | 33 |
| Heiko Herrlich | 38 |
Season Summary
The 1996–97 season stands as one of Borussia Dortmund’s greatest achievements. The club won the UEFA Champions League, defeating Juventus 3–1 in the final in Munich. Lars Ricken famously scored with his first touch off the bench, and Karl-Heinz Riedle netted twice. Domestically, Dortmund finished 3rd in the Bundesliga, while their European triumph cemented their status as a continental force. The shirt became a symbol of the club’s golden era under Ottmar Hitzfeld.
Final Notes
At Shirtchecker.com, our mission is to help collectors visually authenticate football shirts through verified details, era-accurate features, and historical context. The Borussia Dortmund 1996–97 Home Shirt is a legendary piece of European football history, treasured by collectors for both its design and its significance.
