Retro Alaves Shirt – Basque Underdogs of Mendizorroza

The story of Deportivo Alavés begins on 23 January 1921, when a group of football enthusiasts in Vitoria-Gasteiz established Sport Friends Club. The early decades were spent largely in the lower tiers of Spanish football, with the club gradually building a loyal following in the Álava province. Mendizorroza, their beloved home ground, became a fortress where visiting teams learned to fear the passionate Basque crowd.

The club experienced their first taste of top-flight football in the 1930s, but it was a fleeting affair. For much of the mid-twentieth century, Alavés were a modest Segunda División side, occasionally dipping into the regional leagues. The yo-yo existence between divisions became something of a trademark, but supporters never wavered in their devotion.

Everything changed in the mid-1990s when Alavés embarked on a stunning rise through Spanish football. Promotion to La Liga in 1998 was followed by an astonishing 2000-01 season that no one in Vitoria-Gasteiz will ever forget. Under the management of Mané, the club not only held their own in the top division but went on a magical run through the UEFA Cup. They dispatched Inter Milan, Kaiserslautern, and Rayo Vallecano on their way to the final in Dortmund, where they faced a star-studded Liverpool side. The final itself was an extraordinary spectacle – Alavés twice came from behind before ultimately losing 5-4 to a golden goal in extra time. It remains one of the greatest European finals ever played, and it etched Alavés into the hearts of football romantics everywhere.

The years following the Dortmund heartbreak were turbulent. Financial difficulties and relegation in 2003 began a difficult period that saw the club slip as far as the Segunda División B. But true to their character, Alavés fought back. They returned to La Liga in 2016 and even reached the Copa del Rey final in 2017, losing to Barcelona but once again demonstrating their capacity for defying expectations. The rivalry with fellow Basque clubs, particularly the local derbies against Real Sociedad and Eibar, have produced countless memorable encounters that resonate deeply within the community.

Alavés have been shaped by players who embodied the club's fighting spirit rather than by galáctico signings. Javi Moreno became a household name during the 2001 UEFA Cup run, his goals and fearless attacking play carrying the team through round after round. His brace in the final against Liverpool cemented his legendary status at Mendizorroza forever.

The defensive leadership of Antonio Karmona provided the backbone during those golden European nights, while Cosmin Contra brought Romanian flair and tireless energy to the right flank. Jordi Cruyff, son of the great Johan, also wore the blue and white stripes, adding a touch of footballing royalty to the squad.

In earlier decades, players like Julio Gutiérrez and Koldo Aguirre served the club with distinction, becoming icons in the Álava region. Manager Mané deserves enormous credit for transforming a newly promoted side into European finalists – a coaching achievement that remains almost unparalleled in Spanish football.

More recently, Manu García and Lucas Pérez have carried the torch, delivering performances that kept Alavés competitive in La Liga. Ibai Gómez, a local product, became a fan favourite for his commitment and Basque identity. The club has always been a place where players grow, develop, and occasionally produce something truly magical – a proving ground where determination matters more than reputation.

The retro Alaves shirt collection tells a visual story of Basque identity and evolving design. The club's traditional colours are blue and white vertical stripes, a combination that has remained remarkably consistent throughout their history, creating an instantly recognisable identity at Mendizorroza and beyond.

The shirts from the late 1990s and early 2000s are particularly coveted by collectors. The kits worn during the 2001 UEFA Cup campaign hold almost sacred status – those blue and white stripes that graced the Westfalenstadion pitch in Dortmund represent the pinnacle of the club's European adventure. The away kits from this era, often featuring bold colour choices, are equally sought after.

Earlier designs from the 1980s and 1990s showcase a more traditional aesthetic, with thicker stripes and retro collar styles that epitomise the era's football fashion. Sponsor logos from various periods add historical context and collector value. The simplicity of pre-commercial kits from the 1970s and earlier is particularly appealing to purists who appreciate clean, uncluttered design.

A retro Alaves shirt is more than fabric – it is a wearable piece of underdog history that sparks conversation wherever it appears.