The All Whites Legacy
New Zealand's national football team earned their "All Whites" nickname in deliberate contrast to the famous All Blacks rugby side, establishing their own identity on the world stage. While football may not command the same attention as rugby in New Zealand, the All Whites have carved out memorable moments that resonate with fans across the globe.
The team's finest hour came at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where they became the only nation to leave the tournament unbeaten. Drawing with reigning champions Italy, Slovakia, and Paraguay, Ricki Herbert's side captured hearts with their defensive resilience and never-say-die attitude. That campaign featured standout performances from Ryan Nelsen, who captained the side with distinction, and introduced a young Chris Wood to the world stage.
Chris Wood has since become New Zealand's all-time leading goalscorer with over 40 international goals, surpassing the achievements of Vaughan Coveny and Shane Smeltz. His success in the Premier League with Burnley, Newcastle United, and Nottingham Forest has made him one of New Zealand's most decorated footballers. Winston Reid, another Premier League stalwart who spent over a decade at West Ham United, formed part of the golden generation that elevated New Zealand football to new heights.
New Zealand Football Kits Through the Years
The All Whites' traditional home colours have remained remarkably consistent: a clean white shirt with black trim, embodying simplicity and elegance. This classic design has been worn in various iterations over the decades, with subtle changes reflecting different eras and manufacturers.
In recent years, New Zealand Football partnered with PUMA, introducing fresh designs that honour tradition while embracing modern aesthetics. The current white home kit features subtle pinstripe detailing with black collar, sleeves, and cuffs – a nod to classic football shirt design. The black away kit incorporates a silver and grey camouflage pattern with the iconic silver fern, creating a distinctive look that stands out on the international stage.
PUMA has also released limited-edition retro-inspired designs that celebrate New Zealand's football heritage. These shirts blend vintage styling with contemporary fabric technology, appealing to both nostalgic fans and new generations of supporters.
Notable Players and Numbers
Beyond Wood, Nelsen, and Reid, New Zealand football has produced several notable talents who've represented the nation with pride. Wynton Rufer, widely regarded as New Zealand's greatest footballer, enjoyed a successful career in Germany's Bundesliga and won the Oceania Player of the Century award. His number 11 shirt is revered by All Whites fans.
The Silver Fern - New Zealand's Symbol
The silver fern adorning every All Whites jersey is more than just a badge - it's a symbol of national identity. The distinctive fern represents New Zealand's natural heritage and appears on sporting jerseys across multiple codes. On the football shirt, it serves as an instantly recognisable emblem that connects the team to their homeland, whether playing at home or abroad.
Our New Zealand Football Range
At UK Soccer Shop, we stock an extensive selection of New Zealand football merchandise beyond just the playing shirts. Our range includes:
Match Shirts & Replica Jerseys: Authentic home and away shirts identical to those worn by the players, featuring official PUMA branding and the silver fern crest.
Football Training Kits: Technical training shirts, shorts, and jackets used by the All Whites during preparation and warm-ups. Perfect for playing football yourself or casual wear.
Retro & Classic Shirts: Vintage-inspired and authentic historic jerseys celebrating memorable eras in New Zealand football history, including 2010 World Cup editions.
Casual Wear: All Whites t-shirts, hoodies, and polo shirts for everyday support. Show your allegiance without the full kit.
Customisation: All our shirts can be personalised with official name and number printing. Choose from squad numbers and player names, or create your own unique jersey.
Complete Kits: Pair your shirt with matching shorts and socks to create the full All Whites look, whether for playing or supporting from the stands.
Why Choose UK Soccer Shop for Your All Whites Kit?
We pride ourselves on stocking 100% authentic New Zealand football shirts sourced directly from official suppliers. Every jersey we sell is genuine, featuring official tags, holograms, and correct licensing – no imitations or fakes.
Our customisation service uses official printing technology, ensuring your personalised shirt looks exactly like those worn on the pitch. Whether you want "Wood 9" on the back or your own name, our printing meets official standards and won't peel or fade with proper care.
Supporting from the UK
While New Zealand may be on the other side of the world, thousands of Kiwis call the UK home, along with countless football fans who appreciate the All Whites' underdog spirit. Whether you have family connections to New Zealand, travelled there and fell in love with the country, or simply admire their footballing achievements, wearing an All Whites shirt connects you to something special.
New Zealand's matches in Oceania qualifying and international friendlies often take place during UK daytime hours, making it easier to follow along than many other international teams.
Caring for Your All Whites Jersey
To keep your New Zealand football shirt looking its best, we recommend washing it inside out at 30°C maximum. Avoid tumble drying, as high heat can damage the fabric and printing. Never iron directly onto the printed areas, badges, or sponsor logos - if ironing is necessary, place a cloth over these areas and use a low temperature.
Store your shirt on a hanger or folded neatly to prevent creasing. If you've added custom printing, extra care during washing will ensure the name and numbers stay vibrant for years to come. With proper maintenance, your All Whites shirt will serve you well through countless matches and celebrations.
The Future of the All Whites
New Zealand football continues to develop, with more young Kiwi players emerging through professional academies in Europe and beyond. The pathway from youth football in New Zealand to professional contracts overseas has never been clearer, and the national team benefits from this increased exposure to top-level football.
With the expanded FIFA World Cup format offering more qualification spots, the All Whites have realistic ambitions of returning to the tournament. Their journey through Oceania qualifying provides plenty of opportunities to witness the team in action, and every match adds to the rich tapestry of New Zealand football history.
Whether you're celebrating past glories or anticipating future success, an official All Whites shirt lets you show your support in style. Browse our collection today and find your perfect New Zealand football shirt, complete with fast UK delivery and expert customer service.