If you’re a football fan and you find yourself in Tunis, buying a football shirt in Tunis is a must-do. The city’s football culture is strong, with two major clubs dominating the scene: Espérance Sportive de Tunis and Club Africain.
Each club has a loyal following, and picking a side, as one taxi driver told me, “you have to pick one, you cannot like both”. Rather like an Arsenal – Spurs scenario where there is only one correct answer (Arsenal).
So, how do you get your hands on the iconic football shirts in Tunis? Let me break it down for you, and no, you don’t need to settle for a cheap Chinese knockoff – although you can…
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1. Esperance Club Shop – The Heart of the Fans
Espérance Sportive de Tunis, or EST, is one of the most successful football clubs in Tunisia and North Africa. They have a legendary fan base, and their home ground, the Stade Olympique de Rades, is often filled with passionate supporters. If you’re looking to score a football shirt in Tunis that shows your allegiance to this powerhouse club, head to the Esperance club shop in the city.
The shop is a must-visit for fans, with a wide range of merchandise from the iconic red and yellow striped shirts to scarves, hats, and even jackets. You’ll also find plenty of retro EST gear for those who love their vintage football swag. The shirts are a little pricier here compared to other places, but you’re getting the real deal. Plus, nothing beats the feeling of picking up your shirt right where the Esperance ultras gear up for matchday.
2. Club Africain Shop – The Rival in the Capital
On the other side of the city lies Club Africain, another massive name in Tunisian football. As one of the oldest clubs in the country, they have an equally dedicated fanbase, and their club shop is a great place to get your hands on a football shirt in Tunis if you’re a fan of the red, white, and blue.
The Club Africain shop is located at their training ground, which might not be as prominent as the Esperance shop, but it’s definitely worth checking out. Here, you’ll find the official Club Africain jerseys and all sorts of other merchandise that will make you feel like part of the squad. As a bonus, it’s a great place to meet some of the fans and get a taste of the club’s culture before you pick your shirt. But remember, like the taxi driver said, “you have to choose one”—so get ready to make a decision between these two powerhouses!
Which one did I choose? Well initially Esperance, who I got two shirts from, but honestly the atmosphere and friendliness of Club Africain probably tipped the balance (and made me get another shirt).
3. Other Football Shirt Shops in Tunis
Now, if you’re not strictly tied to the big two and just want to pick up something that screams football fan in general, Tunis has a variety of other spots where you can find football shirts.
- Shopping malls like City of Sport or Centre Commercial Carrefour often have stores dedicated to sportswear, including football shirts. These are generally more geared towards international teams, but you’ll find a decent range of jerseys from clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and even some Premier League clubs. It’s also a good place to check out Tunisian national team shirts, especially since they’ve won awards for their unique and stylish kits in recent years.
- Local markets, like the famous Medina, also sell a wide array of football shirts—though be careful. These often include cheap knockoffs made in China. While some of these shirts look decent at first glance, they don’t quite match the quality of the official club kits. It’s all part of the experience, though, and if you’re just looking for something to wear around town, these might do the job.
4. The Tunisia National Shirt – An Award-Winner
While we’re on the topic of football shirts in Tunis, it’s impossible to ignore the Tunisia national team shirt. Not only is this one of the coolest shirts in African football, but it’s also received international acclaim. In fact, the Tunisian national shirt has even won awards as one of the best-designed kits in recent years. The white, red, and black kit, often accented with a bit of gold, blends tradition with modern style and is a must-have for any fan visiting the country.
Whether you’re a supporter of the Tunisian national team or just a fan of stylish football shirts, this kit is an essential souvenir. You can find it in various stores across the city, particularly in the official sportswear shops, as well as in local markets.
5. Chinese Knockoffs – Everywhere, But Not Always Great Quality
Let’s be real—if you’ve been to any major city, you know that Chinese-made knockoff football shirts are everywhere. And, as much as I hate to admit it, Tunis is no different. These shirts are cheap, often poorly made, and feature familiar logos that might fool a passerby from a distance, but up close, they’re a different story. If you’re looking for something that lasts and actually feels like it could survive a matchday, you’ll want to avoid these and stick with the official team shops or reputable stores.
That said, these knockoff shirts can still be fun to buy if you’re just in it for the novelty. They’re usually inexpensive, so they won’t break the bank, but just remember that they won’t feel as authentic as the real deal.
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Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Football Shirt in Tunis
At the end of the day, whether you’re a Club Africain fan or a Esperance supporter, buying a football shirt in Tunis is more than just picking out some team gear. It’s about embracing the passion and the history of Tunisian football, where loyalty runs deep and rivalries are intense. So take your time, wander through the club shops, soak up the atmosphere, and if you’re anything like me, you might just end up walking out with shirts from both clubs—because who says you can’t be a fan of both?
And hey, don’t forget the Tunisia national team shirt while you’re at it. It’s stylish, award-winning, and the blue one that I got is pretty rad, although was less popular when I landed in Morocco…
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