In 1997, Juventus celebrated 100 years of football dominance. But instead of leaning on tradition, the club went rogue, with a pink centenary jersey that defied expectations and sparked a fashion debate still alive today.
The Juventus 1997 centenary kit was a nod to the club’s earliest roots and a risk that turned into a collector’s dream. In this post, we’ll break down the kit’s design, the football legacy behind it, and why it’s now considered one of the most iconic vintage Juventus kits ever.
Juventus 1997 Centenary Kit Design Breakdown
Pink with Purpose
Long before the classic black-and-white stripes, Juventus wore pink. The 1997 centenary kit brought that original color back... reimagined in a deeper, bolder tone, with black trim on the collar and sleeves. It was both shocking and symbolic.
Crests & Details
- Custom "Juvecentus" centenary crest stitched on the collar and sleeve
- Supplied by Kappa with thick 90s-style polyester
- Fit: boxy and breathable
- Style: stripped-back front with minimal sponsor interruption
The Football Context: More Than Just a Commemorative Shirt
The Centenary Match
The shirt debuted on August 31, 1997 during a friendly against San Marino in Cesena, kicking off Juve's 100th anniversary celebrations.
1997–98 Season Highlights
- Serie A Champions
- Champions League Finalists, narrowly losing to Real Madrid
- Key players: Zinedine Zidane, Del Piero, Deschamps
Cult Status & Collector Value
Mixed Fan Reaction
Upon release, fans were split. Some loved the bold historical callback. Others hated the pink. Over time, however, it gained cult status, becoming a holy grail for kit collectors and retro football fans.
Current Collector Value
Because it was used only briefly and never mass-produced post-1997, the Juventus 97 retro shirt now holds serious collector clout. Vintage sellers list it as one of the “top 10 greatest football shirts of all time”.
How to Style the Juve ’97 Shirt Today
Whether you’re hitting the terraces or the high street, the Juventus centenary jersey holds major streetwear appeal:
- Style tips: Pair with black joggers or distressed denim
- Footwear: Keep it classic with Sambas or Air Max
- Layer: Throw a bomber or overshirt over the top for a blokecore vibe
- Unisex Fit: Looks sharp on all genders
👉 Explore more retro styling at our Kit Culture hub
Where to Buy the Juventus ’97 Centenary Kit
🛒 Buy the Juventus 1997 Centenary Shirt Here
- Authentic replication of the original Kappa design
- Mid-90s thick polyester feel
- Limited edition reissue
- Available in sizes S–XL
🎯 Own the Juventus ’97 centenary shirt, one of the rarest retro kits around.
Conclusion
The Juventus 1997 centenary kit was more than a nod to the past. It was a bold aesthetic risk wrapped in heritage, and it paid off.
Today, it’s a fashion statement, a collector’s gem, and a reminder that sometimes, breaking the rules is how legends are made.
💬 Do you love or hate the pink design? Drop your take in the comments below.
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