2021 gave supporters a crop of football shirts that packed in historic moments, bold design twists and a true sense of terrace pride. Picking the top 10 best football jersey 2021 is about more than ranking patterns and colours. It is a way to relive the goals, seasons and celebrations that these iconic kits witnessed.

This list weighs up what made each shirt stand out in matches, their tie to club or city identity and cultural impact beyond the pitch. Expect classics worn by star names, surprise flourishes from away and third strips, and a nod to those shirts turning up now in streetwear and vintage circles.

Why Football Shirts From 2021 Still Matter

Kit culture has never stood still, but 2021 marked a year when tradition met sharp design and clubs pushed their histories to the front. The best football shirts from this era remind supporters of club resilience and pride, whether on the sofa or at the ground. It is no wonder some of these get revived instantly as retro favourites. A great kit from 2021 does more than clothe the team: it marks the memories we carry as supporters.

Criteria for Selection

Prominent achievements in the season, like league wins or cup runs
Unique or trend setting design that stood out amongst the year’s releases
Emotional, cultural or city tie ins embedded in the pattern or details
Strong links to club legends, debut stars or manager milestones

Top 10 Best Football Jersey 2021

Manchester City Home 2020 to 2021

This shirt symbolises City’s Premier League dominance sealed under Guardiola.

Worn as City clinched the league on 23 May 2021, and reached the Champions League final in Porto.
Inspired by the mosaics of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, rooting the club in its community. The sky blue stands out, but it is the subtle white mosaic shapes patterned through that set it apart for city pride.
Supporters still snap this up for its link to De Bruyne, Foden and the breathtaking football of that era.
Simple to care for. Runs true to regular fit.
Manufacturer: Puma. Sponsor: Etihad Airways. Worn in: Premier League title decider, 23 May 2021, versus Everton.

France Away Euro 2020 (played June 2021)

Echoes of past glory and new hopes hit as Les Bleus returned to a classic white base with subtle blue and red chest stripes.

Celebrated as France aimed to repeat their World Cup triumph.
The heritage stripe is a clear throwback to the Zidane era, but updated for a slim street fit seen across Europe.
This was Kylian Mbappé’s stage, a fan favourite in city squares and sports bars throughout the summer.
Runs narrow; size up for relaxed streetwear.
Manufacturer: Nike. Sponsor: none. Worn in: Euro 2020, group stage, June 2021.

Inter Milan Home 2020 to 2021

This kit captures the revival of Inter, breaking a decade long title drought.

Lukaku and Lautaro became household names as Inter lifted Serie A, May 2021.
A zig zag pattern modernised the classic stripes, seen as a nod to Milan’s fashion edge and the club’s 1990s heyday.
The bold snake graphic on the collar channelled city pride for fans.
Fitted cut. Wash at low temp to keep colours bright.
Manufacturer: Nike. Sponsor: Pirelli. Worn in: Serie A clincher, 2 May 2021 versus Crotone.

Ajax Away 2020 to 2021

Ajax’s away kit tapped into Amsterdam’s street art scene and youthful spirit.

Ajax stormed to another Eredivisie title, 2021.
Splashes of aqua and navy stood out from the traditional palette, matching the club’s freewheeling, total football DNA.
Linked to the city’s creative identity and young stars like Gravenberch and Antony.
Slightly slim fitting, recommended to try in store if possible.
Manufacturer: Adidas. Sponsor: Ziggo. Worn in: Title celebrations, May 2021.

Liverpool Away 2020 to 2021

This shirt blends tradition and edge using teal and black with intricate patterning. It stands out as a key piece in the retro Liverpool away collection, cherished by fans for its nostalgic yet bold design.

Mo Salah, Robertson and Klopp led a dramatic Champions League chase.
The swirling pattern nodded to Liverpool’s maritime heritage and docklands architecture.
Became a terrace hit with Scousers of all ages for its city pride and non traditional look.
Naturally a looser cut; easy to wash at 30 degrees.
Manufacturer: Nike. Sponsor: Standard Chartered. Worn in: United away win, 13 May 2021.

Nigeria Home 2021

Renowned for bold style, Nigeria’s shirt delivered pure artistry in green and white.

A symbol of African football’s growing recognition, revealed before AFCON qualifiers.
Striking feather inspired design linked directly to the Super Eagles crest and Nigerian pride.
Celebrated in Lagos and instantly sought after for its unique look on the global stage.
Fit is athletic but forgiving. Spot wash for detail care.
Manufacturer: Nike. Sponsor: none. Worn in: AFCON qualifying, 2021.

AS Roma Home 2020 to 2021

Roma’s 2021 home shirt is a timeless nod to the Giallorossi’s classic era.

Captained by Edin Džeko and managed by Fonseca during their Europa League run.
Use of deep red with bold gold trim recalls 1980s Roma sides while pairing with ultra modern collars.
Fans love it for celebrating both club history and Roman pride in design.
Standard European fit. Store folded to avoid collar creasing.
Manufacturer: Nike. Sponsor: Qatar Airways. Worn in: Europa League semi final, April 2021.

Arsenal Third 2020 to 2021

Always drawing debate, this was an Arsenal shirt no one forgot that year.

Memorable for Smith Rowe’s rise and underdog wins in Europe.
Combination of dark navy, red and sky blue in an abstract print stood apart from previous Gunners strips.
Seen widely in North London even after its debut season, letting young fans express a new kind of Arsenal.
Modern cut. Wash inside out to protect the print.
Manufacturer: Adidas. Sponsor: Emirates. Worn in: Slavia Prague away, 15 April 2021.

Paris Saint Germain Third 2020 to 2021

PSG’s third kit threw back to basketball and homage culture with bold blocks.

Neymar and Mbappé shone as PSG reached the Champions League semi final.
Distinct red, white and blue vertical stripes matched a streetball vibe, reflecting Parisian youth style and crossover appeal.
Still sought after well beyond Paris, showing the global reach of the club.
Boxy fit. Check sizing charts before buying.
Manufacturer: Jordan Brand. Sponsor: Accor Live Limitless. Worn in: Barcelona away win, 16 February 2021.

Boca Juniors Home 2021

Famed blue and yellow meets nostalgia in Boca’s 2021 home strip.

Boca clinched Copa Diego Maradona that season under Tévez’s leadership.
Features an arch collar and club badge repeating on the sleeves, referencing late 1970s glories.
Boca’s La Bombonera terraces roared for this kit, with Buenos Aires locals quick to snap up the design.
Fitted and true to South American sizing.
Manufacturer: Adidas. Sponsor: Qatar Airways. Worn in: River Plate derby, March 2021.

Here is the Ajax collection if you want a closer look at vintage and current kit options.

FAQs

Q: What makes the top 10 best football jersey 2021 list so talked about?
A: 2021 delivered a unique mix of modern patterns, throwbacks and shirts tied to huge club and national moments, making many designs still fan favourites today.
Q: Are 2021 football shirts valuable as collector pieces?
A: Some have risen in value, especially if worn in historic matches or by club legends, but most become meaningful for their story and terrace links rather than high prices.
Q: What should I look for to avoid poor copies?
A: Spot the fake, quick cues:
- Study the sponsor and club badge shapes
- Check for accurate production tags
- Review details in collar and inner labels
Q: How do I pick the right size?
A: 2021 shirts do vary by maker. It is best to check a fit guide or try in person to match your style, especially for kits with fitted or retro shapes.
Q: Why do some shirts feature designs from earlier decades?
A: Many clubs and brands reach back to honour classic squads or city events, appealing to long term fans eager to connect new achievements with club history.

Conclusion

The top 10 best football jersey 2021 choices each captured crucial memories for players and supporters alike. Shirts are never just about fabric; they are signposts to a clubs’ proudest days and the style fans wore on the terraces and city streets. Whether you are chasing a vintage Inter stripe, rare Nigeria pattern or a recent City classic, a standout 2021 shirt still delivers meaning and keeps football’s culture alive season after season.

To shop your own standout kit from this era, visit our full range of football shirts on cheapfootballshirts.com.