France 1998 player shirt by Adidas believed to have been issued to Deschamps for the friendly match against Norway played at Stade Velodrome, Marseille on the 25th February 1998.
This was only the second time ever that France played in this most famous shirt and unlike its debut appearance against Spain it was worn with a special logo on the chest promoting the upcoming World Cup.
This meant the Adidas logo was shifted to the centre of the chest, in the same way that it would be on the shirts worn at the tournament. Player names were also worn on the shirts in this match, this particular shirt was a prepared spare and was given as a gift at the end of the game. The match itself was an absolute thriller in which Les Bleus were almost shocked by the visitors.
Goals from Blanc and Zidane turned around an early defecit following a Strandli penalty but Tore Andre Flo equalised in the second half before Vegard Heggem put the Norwegians back ahead in the 88th minute. Thankfully Marcel Desailly was on hand to spare the blushes and make it 3-3 with only seconds to spare. Deschamps played the full match and would go on to lead France to their first ever World Cup title in a glorious summer for the nation. The Juve midfielder wore the captains armband from 1996 onwards and represented his country over 100 times, also lifting the European Championship two years later. This all-time classic FFF shirt was never available to buy as a replica in long sleeves and is a masterclass of design.
Correct player size flock print professionally heat pressed, embroidered FFF crest with France Norvege 25-02-98 match detail is heat pressed, France 98 and Adidas logos are heat pressed transfers, material is more ventilated than replica version, long sleeved version not commercially available, given to a match official as a gift comes from their personal collection - a signed letter verifying this will be provided.
