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Matchworn Kevin Santini Muñoz 13.02.2013 Provence : MCO 🇲🇨 6-1
Manufacturer: Adidas
Source: Collector
THE COUNTRY
Imagine having a large amusement park in your house, but not being allowed to use it. That’s about how the Monégasque people must feel, having a big casino in the middle of their city-state that’s only intended to squeeze money out of the pockets of foreigners, but not their own. Monaco is a sport-crazed country, hosting the renowned Monaco Grand Prix that leads through the city, as well as other big sport events such as the Herculis games (which I accidentally watched as a spectator when I visited Monaco in 2008).
When it comes to football, AS Monaco is certainly the country’s flagship. Consequently, many people don’t realize that the second smallest country in the world has indeed its own national team. While you won’t find them participating in a world cup, let alone the qualification rounds, Monaco’s national team rather competes with the likes of the Vatican national team, Tibet, Occitania or Ellan Vannin. Since its inception in 2000, the team has played no more than 29 friendly matches, with their biggest defeat being a whopping 1-21 against Sápmi during the 2006 VIVA world cup final.
Their squad consists entirely of Monégasque national, which limits the number of eligible players to a pool of 25 players that play on a competent level. As a result, the team is currently struggling to call up a squad for future games, as many players have become too old or started concentrating more on their family and work life.
THE SHIRT
Together with the Vatican, Monaco jerseys are probably the most difficult of all European nations. While you can at least buy replica shirts of the Vatican in the museum store, no jerseys of the Monaco national team have ever been sold. Therefore, the only sources to get your hands on a coveted team shirt are either the staff or the players.
This interesting Monaco shirt was a lucky find that I acquired from a relative of an employee of the national team.
The jersey has a very interesting color - usually grey in appearance, it shimmers bluish or lilac in some light.
Embroidered on the chest is the team's old crest, while underneath is a pizza sponsor - certainly unique among all national teams!
It was most likely worn by Kevin Santini Muñoz in a match against a Provence side in 2013, when Monegasque lost 6-1.
As a fan of rare and obscure shirts, this one is certainly a highlight in the collection.
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