Orange is one of football’s boldest colours. A shade that refuses to blend in. Whether tied to national identity, experimental away kits, or cult-classic third shirts, orange has produced some of the game’s most memorable designs. From European champions to 90s graphics and underrated club gems, these shirts prove that standing out is sometimes the whole point. Here’s a look at some of the greatest orange football shirts ever made.
1991-92 FC Barcelona
Barcelona's striking orange away shirt from the early ’90s era stands out for its bold colour palette. Orange, red and blue shouldn't work but the designers at Meyba managed to pull it off and it has become a cult-favourite.
Holland 1988
The Netherlands’ legendary Euro ’88 kit isn’t just a great orange shirt, it’s arguably the greatest shirt of all-time. The distinctive geometric pattern matched with the vibrant orange, it’s football design at its most iconic.
Napoli 1994-95
This Napoli shirt brought an unexpected yet bold twist on orange to Serie A. In 1994-95 Napoli wore an orange third shirt by Lotto which was a bright colour change from the away kit design which was in the traditional white. The shirt is rare and highly sought after by football shirt collectors.
Valencia CF 1999-00
Valencia’s turn of the millennium shirt is a sleek orange design with subtle detailing and piping. The Valencia squad in this era was one of the best in Europe, reaching the Champions League final twice in a row and capturing the league title in this period.
Holland 1998
Nineties flair meets Dutch panache in this memorable ‘98 kit. The shirt has the classic Nike collar and black side piping, which was worn by some of the greatest players of all time. As with most Dutch shirts in orange, it brings back tournament memories, especially that Dennis Bergkamp goal at France 98.
Inter Milan 1999-00
Inter’s orange third kit from '99-00 is a masterclass in contrast. Against the traditional nerazzurri design, this vibrant number brought a fresh energy to the San Siro, and now to kit collections worldwide.
Republic of Ireland 1997-98
Not actually and Irish fan favourite, but it has become a cult kit for other fans for its bold colour and the team that wore this design in the later 90s. Ireland’s orange change shirt blended Celtic pride with a sleek 90s aesthetic that still pops in retro kit conversations.
Hull City 1992-93
Possibly the most distinctive shirt on this list, Hull City's tiger-stripe design is pure personality. It’s loud, it’s proud and it screams 1990s football fashion like nothing else.
Dundee United 1989-91
A classic Scottish Premier Division shirt that marries simplicity with character. This Asics Dundee United orange shirt has a timeless quality and was worn when Big Duncan Ferguson played for The Terrors.
Shimizu S-Pulse 1993-94
From the early days of the J.League comes this vibrant S-Pulse kit — striking orange that reflects both the club’s identity and the bold, colourful style emerging in Japanese football at the time.
