Get ready to relive the beautiful game from Italia ’90 to South Africa 2010 as we dive into the nostalgia of World Cup theme music, comparing the iconic opening tunes and broadcast stings from BBC versus ITV. From operatic Nessun Dorma that soundtracked classic England shirts and unforgettable matches, to the sounds that became as memorable as the goals themselves, we’re ranking the best and worst World Cup TV themes of the 90s and 2000s.

This episode brings together football fans, music lovers, and World Cup obsessives to debate the tunes that defined summer after summer of international football. We talk broadcast heritage, football nostalgia, iconic moments, rank the classics, and discuss how these theme tracks shaped the soundtrack of World Cups past — from BBC’s grandeur to ITV’s stylistic choices. Tune in for nostalgic chats about kits, commentators, classic matches, and the theme music that made them unforgettable.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Kiss the Badge, the focus is fully on football shirt collecting. From retro football shirts and vintage football kits of the 1990s and 2000s to the modern football shirt market, this episode explores why collecting football shirts has become such a powerful obsession.

I break down why I collect football shirts, whether football shirts are meant to be worn or preserved, and how modern football shirts compare to the classic kits that defined an era. We also look at the culture around football kit collecting, including nostalgia, authenticity, and what makes certain shirts truly collectible.

There’s also a practical side to football shirt collecting: the best places to buy football shirts, the worst places to avoid, how to spot good deals, and how the market for vintage and retro football shirts has changed over time.

Whether you’re deep into football shirt collecting, just starting a football shirt collection, or simply love classic football shirts from the 90s and 2000s, this episode digs into why these shirts still matter — and why we can’t stop collecting them.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before social media, before highlights on demand, before football became constant noise, there was school football in the 90s — and it was everything.

In this episode, I look back at growing up with football at school in the 1990s: playing every break time and lunchtime, representing my school team, and the unforgettable feeling of scoring a goal in a school match. We talk about playground classics like Wembley singles, Wembley doubles, headers and volleys, jumpers for goalposts, and how football was something you played with your mates, not something you consumed through a screen.

We also explore how our relationship with football has changed. No internet, no social media, no endless debate — just sitting down to watch Match of the Day on a Saturday night, or ITV’s Champions League coverage midweek, letting football come to you rather than chasing it.

There’s also a deep dive into the weird and wonderful world of 90s football shirt sponsors, including a look at my own Plymouth Argyle 1996 home shirts and why football kits from that era still mean so much. That leads into a discussion of Plymouth Argyle’s 1996 season, my first ever football match, and a memorable trip to the old Wembley for the Third Division play-off final against Darlington — with, of course, a word on Neil Warnock.

This is a nostalgic look at football in the 90s — school football, playground games, lower-league journeys, iconic kits, and why it felt so easy to fall in love with the game back then.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kiss the Badge is back after the festive break and Ash is covering some serious ground to kick off the new series. There’s a clear look at what the podcast is going to be about moving forward and, just as importantly, what it isn’t. If you’re here for football nostalgia, football history, classic football shirts, iconic kits, and football shirt throwbacks, you’re in the right place.

There’s also a deep dive into the World Cup that made both the footballing world and our host fall in love with the game. France 98, a tournament steeped in football culture, late-90s nostalgia, and unforgettable kits. From watching Scotland v France in the opening game, to sitting down for a first World Cup final, to that strange, brilliant summer spent going to Sainsbury’s and collecting coins with Andy Hinchcliffe on them. No, that’s not a joke.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Kiss the Badge, we dive into two of football’s most iconic shirts — and the unforgettable stories stitched into them.

From Leicester City’s 5000–1 Premier League miracle in the 2015/16 season, when the Foxes shocked the world under Claudio Ranieri, to David Beckham’s England redemption arc in 2001 — the 5–1 win over Germany, that last-minute free kick against Greece, and the birth of the legend known as “Golden Balls.”

We explore how both shirts became symbols of belief, defiance, and destiny, and how they turned doubt into glory. Expect football nostalgia, shirt culture deep dives, and the kind of storytelling that makes you fall in love with the game all over again.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two iconic football stories. One unforgettable conversation. In this episode, we dive deep into the legendary Arsenal 2003–04 Invincibles season, when the Gunners went unbeaten in the Premier League under Arsène Wenger, led by Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, and an era-defining squad. We explore the history, tactics, culture, and the impact of that gold Premier League trophy moment that changed English football forever.

Then, we switch to Spain and the Barcelona 2012–13 season, a year defined by Lionel Messi’s record-breaking goalscoring run. From 91 goals in a calendar year to his magical link-up with Xavi and Iniesta, we revisit how Messi became The Immortal Argentine — a player whose brilliance transcended the game.

👕 Whether you’re a Premier League nostalgist, a Barça purist, or simply love football history and classic kits, this episode celebrates two of the greatest chapters in the modern game.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive into two iconic football shirts from very different eras: the Brazil 2002 home shirt and the Napoli 2024–25 home shirt. First up, we revisit the legendary Nike Brazil 2002 jersey, worn by the unforgettable “Three R’s” — Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho — as they lit up the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea. From the bold yellow design and simple round collar to the famous embroidered CBF crest and that perfect Nike swoosh placement, this is a shirt that defined a generation of football and helped Brazil claim their fifth World Cup title. We unpack why this jersey became a global classic: the iconic template, the lightweight material, and the unforgettable players who made it historic.

Then, we fast-forward to today to explore the Napoli 2024–25 home shirt — a bold new design that continues the club’s tradition of expressive, statement kits. We discuss the SSC Napoli blue, the sleek modern fit, EA7’s evolving design language, and how it reflects both the heritage of the club and the changing landscape of modern kit culture. From collar shapes to sponsor integration, we break down how Napoli’s latest look compares to classics of the past — and why both shirts, despite being 20 years apart, say so much about football identity, branding, and aesthetics.

Whether you’re a kit collector, a football nostalgia enthusiast, or just love a beautiful shirt, this episode is packed with design details, cultural context, and shirt geekery.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Kiss the Badge, we start with a shirt that instantly became a modern football icon: the Manchester United 2021–22 away shirt, worn by Cristiano Ronaldo during his unforgettable return to Old Trafford. Part of our Future Classics series, we break down why this Adidas design—with its nostalgic 90s-inspired “snowflake” pattern—captured the hearts of United fans around the world. We revisit the electric atmosphere of Ronaldo’s second debut against Newcastle, his emotional celebrations, and the way this kit taps into Manchester United’s rich heritage while feeling fresh and collectible for shirt enthusiasts. Expect talk of retro influences, Premier League nostalgia, and why this shirt is destined to be a must-have for football shirt collectors.

Then, for our From the Vault segment, we rewind to the early 90s and the legendary Barcelona home shirt from 1992 to 1995, worn by Johan Cruyff’s iconic Dream Team. This Kappa masterpiece is steeped in history: it’s the shirt that lifted the club’s first European Cup, defined an era of Total Football, and was donned by greats like Pep Guardiola, Hristo Stoichkov, and Romário. We explore its bold vertical stripes, classic Kappa detailing, and why it remains one of the most celebrated Barça shirts of all time.

From Ronaldo’s Premier League comeback to Cruyff’s revolutionary football philosophy, this episode celebrates two jerseys that symbolize passion, heritage, and footballing artistry. Whether you’re a kit collector, Manchester United supporter, Barcelona fan, or just love classic football shirts, this is one you won’t want to miss.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kiss the Badge is back after a short break — I’ll explain why I was off-air last week and what’s coming next, and what we won't be doing any more of moving forward!

Then for this week's Future Classic - the Real Madrid 2024–25 third shirt. Part of the Adidas Originals range, it blends retro Trefoil nostalgia with modern performance, and was worn in THAT unforgettable Declan Rice game - you know the one. Best brace (and/or free-kick) of all time?

Then, in From the Vault, it’s a 90s stape. The Newcastle 1995–97 'Brown Ale' home shirt. From the iconic Grandad collar and somewhat controversial sponsor to the highs and lows of Kevin Keegan’s Entertainers — Shearer, Ginola, Ferdinand and THAT rant — this is a shirt that still sums up a whole era, and entertained the whole world.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.