1998–00 Barcelona Home Shirt – Authentication Guide
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Shirt Overview
Team: FC Barcelona
Season: 1998–2000
Type: Home
Manufacturer: Nike
Primary Colour: Claret and Blue vertical halves
Notable Players: Rivaldo, Luis Figo, Patrick Kluivert, Pep Guardiola
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Key Authentication Features
Nike Swoosh: Embroidered yellow swoosh below the crest on authentic versions.
Crest: Fully embroidered FCB crest stitched cleanly to the shirt, not heat-applied.
Material: NikeFit lightweight poly material with visible mesh ventilation holes—note the honeycomb-like weave under light.
Collar: V-neck with two-tone ribbed navy and claret trim.
Inner Label: White neck tag with Nike logo, Made in Portugal, and product sizing in grey font.
Size Patch: External woven black/silver patch with the red Nike logo and “Engineered to the exact specifications of championship athletes” slogan.
La Liga Patch: Match-issued versions had the older white La Liga patch sewn on the sleeve.
Back Design: Plain with wide claret and blue halves continuing around, no name or number applied by default.
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Player Info
FC Barcelona 1998–00 Squad
| Player | Position |
|---|---|
| Ruud Hesp | Goalkeeper |
| Francesc Arnau | Goalkeeper |
| Michael Reiziger | Defender |
| Frank de Boer | Defender |
| Abelardo | Defender |
| Sergi Barjuán | Defender |
| Winston Bogarde | Defender |
| Xavi Hernández | Midfielder |
| Pep Guardiola | Midfielder |
| Phillip Cocu | Midfielder |
| Luis Enrique | Midfielder/Forward |
| Rivaldo | Forward |
| Patrick Kluivert | Forward |
| Dani García | Forward |
| Sonny Anderson | Forward |
| Luis Figo | Winger |
| Giovanni | Midfielder |
| Coach: Louis van Gaal |
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Season Summary
Barcelona won La Liga in 1998–99, with Rivaldo scoring 24 goals and Figo dominating from the right flank. The shirt’s symmetrical split design marked a clean, modern take on the traditional Barça stripes under Nike’s early contract years.
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Final Notes
Common fake indicators include printed crests or swooshes, or shirts made from heavier polyester without ventilation. The mesh texture and correct NikeFit tags are key.
This post is part of Shirtchecker.com’s mission to help collectors visually authenticate shirts and avoid buying fakes.
