The Complete Guide to Iran Football Shirts
Team Melli: An Introduction to Iran's Football Heritage
The Iran national football team, affectionately known as Team Melli (The National Team), wears one of Asia's most recognisable kits. For decades, the pristine white home shirt has become synonymous with Persian footballing pride, representing a nation where football transcends sport to become a cultural phenomenon. Iran's football shirts are worn by millions of passionate supporters across the globe, from the streets of Tehran to diaspora communities in Los Angeles, London, and beyond. As one of Asia's most successful international teams - with multiple AFC Asian Cup titles and numerous World Cup appearances - the Team Melli jersey carries significant prestige within world football.
The Evolution of Iran's Football Kits
Iran's kit history reflects both the nation's sporting ambitions and its complex modern history. In the early decades following the formation of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran, kits were relatively simple affairs, often produced by local manufacturers. The watershed moment came in the 1990s when major international sportswear brands began partnering with Team Melli.
Adidas became Iran's first major global kit supplier in 1994, ushering in a new era of professionalism. The German brand's three stripes adorned Iran's shirts during their 1998 World Cup appearance in France - their first tournament in 20 years. This partnership established the template for modern Iran kits: predominantly white home shirts with green and red trim, reflecting the national flag's colours.
Nike took over kit duties in the late 1990s and early 2000s, bringing their signature Swoosh to Team Melli. During this period, Iran qualified for the 2006 World Cup in Germany, though kit supply issues meant they ultimately wore Puma shirts at the tournament itself - an unusual chapter in their kit history.
The most significant recent partnership has been with Uhlsport, the German manufacturer that supplied Iran from 2011 onwards. Uhlsport created some of Iran's most memorable modern designs, including the kits worn during their impressive 2018 World Cup campaign in Russia, where they came agonisingly close to reaching the knockout stages.
Most recently, Majid (an Iranian sportswear brand) and Merooj have supplied the national team, marking a return to domestic kit production and reflecting Iran's desire for greater self-sufficiency in football equipment.
Shirt sponsors have included various Iranian companies, though international sanctions have complicated commercial partnerships. The clean, sponsor-light aesthetic of many Iran shirts has actually enhanced their appeal among collectors and casual fans seeking classic-looking international jerseys.
Iconic Iran Football Shirts Through the Ages
1998 World Cup Home Shirt (Adidas) - Perhaps the most celebrated Iran jersey of all time, this Adidas design featured at France '98 when Team Melli famously defeated the United States 2-1 in one of the most politically charged matches in World Cup history. The simple white shirt with green and red accents has become a symbol of national pride and is highly sought-after among retro football shirt collectors.
2006 World Cup Shirt (Puma) - Despite qualifying in Nike kits, Iran wore Puma at the tournament due to contractual complications. This quirk of history makes the 2006 shirt a fascinating collector's item, representing one of the oddest kit switches in World Cup history.
2018 World Cup Home Kit (Uhlsport) - Featuring an intricate cheetah print pattern (referencing Iran's endangered Asiatic cheetah), this technically excellent design garnered praise from football fashion critics worldwide. The attention to detail and cultural significance made it one of the tournament's standout shirts.
1970s Retro Designs - Vintage Iran shirts from football's golden age of simple designs are increasingly collectible, featuring minimalist white designs with basic crew necks and embroidered badges - perfect for fans of classic football aesthetics.
Little-Known Facts About Iran Football Kits
The Asiatic cheetah, featured on Iran's 2018 World Cup kit, is critically endangered with fewer than 50 individuals remaining in the wild. Its inclusion raised global awareness of conservation efforts.
Iran's away kit traditionally features red, but the team has experimented with various colours including green (from the national flag) and even navy blue designs over the years.
Team Melli jerseys are among the most popular Asian football shirts in the international market, often outselling many established European nations among collectors.
Due to international sanctions, Iran shirts have sometimes been difficult to export, making certain editions particularly rare and valuable to collectors outside Iran.
The Iran football shirt has become a symbol of national identity that transcends politics, worn proudly by Iranians worldwide regardless of their views on other matters.
Iran was one of the first Asian nations to sign with a major European sportswear brand, predating many other AFC national teams in professionalizing their kit arrangements.
Our Iran Football Shirts Range
At UK Soccer Shop, we're proud to offer one of the most comprehensive selections of Iran football shirts available outside the Middle East. Our collection includes:
Current Season Kits - Get the latest official Iran home and away shirts as worn by the current squad in World Cup qualifying and international fixtures.
Retro Iran Shirts - Travel back through football history with our carefully curated collection of classic Team Melli jerseys, including reproductions of iconic designs from memorable tournaments and eras.
Training & Leisure Wear - Complete your Team Melli wardrobe with official Iran training shirts, jackets, and casual wear that let you show your support every day.
Personalisation Options - Make your Iran shirt truly unique with our premium printing service. Add current star players' names and numbers, Iranian football legends, or personalise with your own name. We use high-quality printing techniques that mirror professional specifications, ensuring your customisation lasts as long as the shirt itself.
Goalkeeper Shirts - Don't forget we also stock Iran goalkeeper jerseys for fans who want to stand out from the crowd with these typically bold, distinctive designs.
Whether you're supporting Iran at a major tournament, celebrating your heritage, or simply appreciate beautiful football shirts, our Team Melli collection has something for every fan. All our Iran kits are authentic merchandise, sourced through official channels to guarantee quality.
Why Choose UK Soccer Shop for Your Iran Football Shirt?
As specialist international football shirt retailers with years of experience, we understand what matters to fans. We offer competitive pricing on all Iran jerseys, fast dispatch, secure payment options, and responsive customer service. Our expertise extends across all Asian national team shirts, making us the go-to destination for supporters of AFC nations.
For fans of European football, our European section showcases jerseys from international tournaments past and present.
Browse our complete Iran football shirts collection now and find your perfect jersey.