Why are official football jerseys so expensive?

Every summer, it's the same old story: new jerseys, new designs... and ever-increasing prices. Between the €100 versions, the €150 "Authentic" models, and the special editions that go even higher, many fans wonder: why does a simple football jersey cost so much? Here's a breakdown.

A… derisory production cost

Producing an official jersey rarely costs more than €10 (including fabric, labor, and shipping). Yet, once it arrives in stores, it retails for between €90 and €150. The difference? It's in the distribution of revenue:

60% for the equipment manufacturer (Nike, adidas, PUMA, etc.): design, production, marketing.
20% for distributors and resellers.
10% for the State, via VAT.
About 10% for the club.

👉 Concrete example: on a jersey sold for €90, the club barely receives €9. In certain specific cases (like Real Madrid, which manages part of its distribution), the share can climb to €40-50.

Licensing and Marketing: Millions at Stake

If the prices are so high, it is also because:

Agreements between clubs and equipment manufacturers cost hundreds of millions.
Textile technologies (DryCell, Dri-FIT ADV, AEROREADY, Ultraweave, etc.) require research and development.
Global marketing campaigns (shoots, videos, international stars) weigh heavily on the bill.

Authentic vs. Replica: Two Ranges, Two Prices

Today, each club generally offers two versions:

Authentic : identical to the one worn by the players. Ultra-lightweight, slim fit, high-performance fabrics. Price: €130 to €150 .
Replica (or Fan version) : designed for everyday wear. Embroidered logos, wider cut, sturdy materials. Price: €90 to €100 .

The difference is mainly technological and aesthetic. For a supporter, the Replica version is more than enough, unless you want to "play like the pros."

Soaring prices… and the alternatives

Clubs are multiplying their collections (home, away, third, special editions), which pushes some fans to spend more than €300 per season. But there are alternatives:

Wait until the end of the season to take advantage of the big promotions.
Compare the ranges (Authentic or Replica).
Buy from an official retailer like PlanetFoot to guarantee authenticity and avoid counterfeits.

Buying an official jersey also means supporting your club

Even though the direct share going to the clubs is small, it's the only way to officially contribute to their revenue. It also ensures you're getting a quality product, designed to last, and not a cheap copy.

PlanetFoot: your ally for finding the right jersey

At PlanetFoot, you'll find all the official news:

Men's, women's and junior versions.
Affordable replicas or high-end Authentic models.
Regular promotions on collections from previous seasons.

👉 In short, whether you are a player, a collector or simply an enthusiast, you will find the jersey that suits your budget and your style.

⚽ In summary

Yes, jerseys are expensive because they finance the equipment manufacturers, the clubs, taxes and marketing.
No, you don't have to spend €150: the Replica versions are perfect for fans.
PlanetFoot remains the ideal place to find your official jersey at the best price.

❓ FAQ: Everything you need to know about the price of official jerseys

Why are football jerseys so expensive?
Because they include not only production costs, but also licensing between clubs and equipment manufacturers, marketing, taxes, and reseller margins. A large portion of the price therefore finances the club and the brand.

What is the difference between an Authentic and a Replica jersey?
The Authentic jersey is identical to the one worn by the players: ultra-lightweight fabric, a slim fit, and performance technologies. The Replica is designed for fans, more robust, and less expensive.

How much does a club earn from the sale of a jersey?
On average, 8 to 12% of the final sale price. On a jersey sold for €100, the club receives around €10. Some clubs, such as Real Madrid, which directly manage part of the distribution, receive more.

Where can I buy an official jersey without the risk of counterfeiting?
At an authorized retailer or official distributor. PlanetFoot only offers certified jerseys, with a hologram and a guarantee of authenticity.

When to buy a jersey to pay less?
Prices generally drop at the end of the season or when new collections arrive. This is the perfect time to find deals on PlanetFoot.