Luis Martín's shop, run by the 31-year-old entrepreneur, has become a hub for football enthusiasts and nostalgic collectors. Football Fútbol Club, located on Núñez de la Peña street, offers a carefully curated selection of jerseys, many of them second-hand, that evoke decades of football history.
“"It's the football shop. The older, the better, but the main thing is that they are original. Most are second-hand."
Martín's inventory is not limited to the kits of current stars like Mbappé or Haaland. On his shelves, the sobriety of Pelé and the rebelliousness of Maradona coexist, alongside unique pieces such as France's jersey from the 1978 Argentina World Cup, which Martín himself confesses he doesn't dare to touch. The collection also includes rarities from Arab leagues, African, and Asian national teams.
For the young entrepreneur, the rise of retro is not a fleeting trend. He argues that football, as a cultural phenomenon, will never go out of style, and the appeal of these jerseys lies both in their design and the sentimental value of the crests. His customer profile is very diverse, ranging from expert collectors looking for limited editions to those seeking a special gift, demonstrating that passion for football transcends gender and differences.
Over time, Luis Martín has become an expert tracker of these relics. His acquisition method is varied, including local suppliers, customers who sell their own jerseys, and, crucially, the use of the Internet. Furthermore, he has established collaborations with other businesses and professional suppliers, and has even managed to sell the current season's kits for CD Tenerife and UD Las Palmas, thus merging the past and present of football in his establishment.
The task of pricing each piece is a challenge for Martín, as each jersey is unique. The value is determined by factors such as the state of preservation, the rarity of the model, the integrity of the period's advertising, the original typography of the number, and even the size. For Luis Martín, each garment is a luxury item that requires individualized analysis, and he believes that those who understand football appreciate the value of these collector's items.
“"I would like to have a price list and say: 'this is what I set', but, in the end, I have no references. It's a headache to price each one, because each one is a world to me."
Despite initial challenges, Martín sees his venture as a dream come true. After almost two years of activity, the shop's success has meant that the current premises are becoming too small. His future plans include expanding the business to a larger space that will not only function as a shop but also as a museum or exhibition hall, where customers can enjoy football history, watch matches, or even play foosball.
