KUCHING: Football jerseys are more than just pieces of fabric to Bryan Cheong; they are wearable history, a gateway to memories, and a daily expression of his love for the beautiful game.
With over 200 jerseys amassed over the years, Bryan’s collection tells a story spanning continents, eras and legendary players. What began as a childhood fascination has evolved into a lifelong pursuit fuelled by design, nostalgia and the thrill of the hunt.
“I’ve always loved collecting things. Football has been such a huge part of my life, and these jerseys are how I get to express myself every day.”
Each shirt, he said, is chosen not merely for its appearance but for the memories it carries – the era it represents, the player it honours or the moment it commemorates.
The Allure of Retro and Rare Finds
A significant portion of Bryan’s collection consists of retro jerseys, particularly from Manchester United, reflecting both his loyalty to the club and nostalgia for its glory days.
“One of my favourite jerseys is from the treble era — the United Umbro double diamonds. It’s the most historic season for us as a club, and the memories from that time were retold throughout my childhood. I really love long sleeves, and I always play in long sleeves,” he said.
Bryan, whose father is also a Manchester United fan, does not restrict his collection solely to his own club allegiance.
“I’m not an Arsenal fan, but I have a lot of friends who are. I usually get Arsenal jerseys just to spite them because apparently I’m their jinx,” he joked.
“This one is really beautiful — it’s from their final season at Highbury. For me, Thierry Henry is the greatest Premier League player, so having his name on the back means a lot.”
Collecting, however, is not merely about ownership. It is about experiencing the game through the fabric itself. Bryan’s jerseys are all originals — some match-worn, others player-issued — with prices ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands of ringgit. The thrill of online bidding, hunting rare finds from local Malaysian stores to UK websites, and occasionally securing signed memorabilia adds another layer to the hobby.
Among his most prized possessions is a signed Paris Saint-Germain jersey worn by Achraf Hakimi during the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Aston Villa, whom Bryan regards as arguably the best right-back in the game today.
“It’s a piece of history. Even though I wasn’t at the game, owning this shirt connects me to that moment,” he said.
His collection also extends beyond elite clubs and star players. Bryan has a particular fondness for Croatia jerseys, inspired by their distinctive checkered patterns that have become iconic on the international stage.
The influence even carries over to Hope Football Club, which he founded in 2023, with similar designs incorporated into the team’s goalkeeper kits.
Wearing the Memories
Asked about the future of his growing collection, Bryan is clear that jerseys are meant to be worn.
“I believe in wearing what you have. These jerseys are made to be enjoyed, not just stored away. Unless it’s something truly special, like a match-worn shirt, I don’t plan to frame them. I want to live the memories,” he said.
There is also a personal connection to his preference for long-sleeved kits — a style popularised by football icons such as David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo and 2018 World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann.
“There’s an aesthetic appeal to long sleeves. When I see players wearing them, they catch my eye. I feel more secure and I enjoy the look,” he added.
For Bryan Cheong, who lives and breathes the sport, football jerseys are far more than apparel. They are storytellers, mood reflectors and tangible links to football’s rich history. With the World Cup approaching, his passion for collecting continues to grow, promising new chapters in an ever-expanding tapestry of fabric and fandom.
“With the World Cup coming up, football plays a big role in what people wear nowadays.
“Retro jerseys have seen a boom over the past few years, and it’s become quite a trend,” he said.
