Why do soccer players of opposing teams trade jerseys at the end of the game?
For anyone who is not a regular fan of soccer, it must come as an odd sight when, after a match, players suddenly take off their sweaty, dirty jerseys and exchange them with the player from the opposing team nearest them. Even more regular fans who have seen this tradition many times are probably curious about its origins. The Rule and the Reason FIFA (the Federation of International Football Associations) has stated in the past that it is a violation to exchange shirts on the field following a match, but this rule is loosely enforced at best. Even women in professional leagues are now exchanging jerseys. The tradition stems from a desire to possess a piece of history. Players are in the prime of their sporting life, and the jerseys serve as mementos. Second, the jersey exchange is a way of showing respect and sportsmanship to opposing players. It is the equivalent of saying that a player’s technique, fortitude or hustle were a pleasure to witness. The First Jersey Exchange The first c
