A lifelong football enthusiast has officially earned a Guinness World Record for owning the largest collection of football shirts ever documented — a dazzling display of passion, history, and devotion to the beautiful game.
Paul Jennings, a 42-year-old fan from Manchester, has amassed an astonishing 7,132 football shirts from clubs and national teams around the world. His record-breaking collection features everything from vintage 1970s kits to the latest international releases, spanning more than 90 countries and 1,200 teams.
What began as a childhood hobby — collecting shirts of his favorite players — has grown into a global phenomenon. Jennings’ home is now part-museum, part-archive, with shirts meticulously organized by club, league, and era.
“I started with a simple Manchester United home jersey when I was 10,” Jennings said. “I never imagined it would turn into this. Every shirt has a story — a match, a memory, a player I admired. It’s like reliving football history every time I look through them.”
Guinness World Records officials spent several weeks verifying the collection, ensuring every shirt was authentic, catalogued, and traceable. Among the highlights are Pelé’s signed Santos jersey, Lionel Messi’s Barcelona debut shirt, and a limited-edition England 1966 World Cup replica.
The recognition was officially confirmed at a ceremony in Manchester attended by local football legends and fans. “Paul’s passion for the sport is unmatched,” said Guinness adjudicator Sarah Hughes. “This collection represents not just dedication, but a love for football’s global culture.”
Jennings plans to open a public exhibition, “The Global Game: Football Shirts Through Time,” allowing fans to experience football heritage firsthand.
“This record isn’t just mine,” he added. “It’s for every fan who’s ever cherished a shirt, worn their team’s colors with pride, and believed in the game.”
