If you find yourself wandering the vibrant streets of Tripoli, with a hankering for a football shirt, you’re in for a bit of a wild ride. Football shirts in Tripoli are a unique part of the city’s bustling marketplace scene, and while they might not be the most high-end, they certainly come with their own charm.
You’ll see all kinds of jerseys being sold from the back of stalls or in little corner shops, but don’t expect to find anything too fancy. Here’s what you should know if you’re on the hunt for a shirt in Libya’s capital.
Click to read my Tripoli Guide.
The Search for Football Shirts in Tripoli: Where to Look
Let’s face it, Tripoli isn’t exactly home to an endless supply of official football club shops. That said, there are places where you can find a good variety of football shirts, and you might just get lucky. Football shirts in Tripoli are mostly available in the bustling markets around Martyrs’ Square or Al-Nawasi Street. These spots are a bit of a hotspot for locals and tourists alike who are looking to pick up a bargain or a souvenir.
You’ll notice that the shirts on offer are often from a mix of international clubs, African national teams, and, of course, Libyan teams. The trick is, they’re mostly Chinese knock-offs, and even the shopkeepers are in on the joke. You’ll hear them laughing as they tell you, “Yeah, it’s a bit cheap, but it’s football!” And, in a way, that’s part of the fun. It’s less about perfection and more about grabbing a piece of football culture while you’re in the city.
The Quality Conundrum: Is It Worth It?
Now, here’s the reality check. You’re not going to find any high-end jerseys with perfect stitching or authentic materials. The knock-offs are everywhere, and they’re often slapped together in a hurry. You might get a shirt that looks spot on from a distance, but after a few washes, the badge could fall off, the colors might fade, and the fabric could feel a bit flimsy. It’s just part of the bargain-hunting experience in Tripoli.
Take my Sudan national team shirt, for example. It looked amazing when I first picked it up—brand new, crisp design, bright colors. By the second day of wearing it, though, the badge was peeling off. Classic knock-off stuff, really. If you’re after a shirt to wear for just a few days, maybe for a photo op or a casual stroll around the city, then you’re golden. If you’re looking for something that’ll last you years, though, you might want to think twice.
But hey, the price makes it all a bit more fun. For what you pay, you get a shirt that’ll last just long enough to get your money’s worth. And it gives you a good story to tell when the badge inevitably falls off!
The Sizes: Expect Chinese, Not Western
Here’s a heads-up—football shirts in Tripoli often come in Chinese sizes, which means if you’re used to XL or XXL in the West, you might want to size up. I made the school boy error of grabbing a 2XL shirt from a local stall, thinking it would be just right. This was a mistake. It fit more like a an XL, which left me struggling to breathe, while looking like a badly packed sausage. The diet continues….
Libyans, in general, aren’t as large as, say, your average Westerner. So, if you’re a big guy like me, you’ll want to go for the largest size possible. Even if you spot something that says it’s XL, don’t be surprised if it barely fits like a medium. So, when shopping for football shirts in Tripoli, ALWAYS try it on first AND double check the correct one ends up in your bags. I wont say those selling football shirts in Tripoli can be dishonest, but they are.
Club Shops: Rare but Worth the Hunt
Okay, so finding official club shops in Tripoli is a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack. It’s not like you’re going to stumble across a massive Premier League-style store anywhere. But, there are a few Al-Ittihad (too small for me) or Al-Ahly Tripoli outlets floating around the city if you’re lucky enough to find one. These official shops are a rarer find, but if you’re after something a bit more legit, they’re worth hunting down.
You won’t find these clubs’ jerseys everywhere, and the selection isn’t as vast as in a big city in Europe or Africa. But, in a place like Tripoli, picking up a local team shirt can be a real gem. It’ll give you that sense of pride, even if the team doesn’t exactly set the world on fire every season.
National Jerseys: Cool and Worth the Hype
If you’re really looking to pick up a shirt that screams Libyan pride, the national team jersey is the one to go for. Sure, the team’s results on the pitch might not always have people jumping for joy, but there’s something special about rocking a Libyan national team shirt. It’s cooler than the actual team’s performance, and it’s a real piece of local pride.
In a city like Tripoli, where football is such a key part of the culture, grabbing a national team jersey feels like owning a piece of Libyan heritage—just with a bit of a cheeky, knock-off twist. And honestly, it looks pretty good too. Even if the team is struggling on the field, the jersey still has that cool factor. It’s also a great reminder of your time in Tripoli.
Bargain Hunting Tips for Football Shirts in Tripoli
- Don’t be afraid to haggle. Prices can vary a lot from stall to stall, so it’s worth trying to get a better deal.
- Check the quality. Always have a good look at the stitching, the badge, and the fabric before committing to a shirt. Some of the knock-offs are better than others.
- Go for a size up. Chinese sizes are a real thing here, so don’t get caught out.
- Look for hidden gems. Even though the official club shops are rare, you might find one tucked away somewhere if you ask around.
Click to read about Cambodian football stadiums.
How Much Does a Football Shirt in Tripoli Cost?
Football shirts in Tripoli can vary in price, depending on where you buy them. In the markets, you’re looking at prices ranging from 35 to 55 Libyan Dinars, which is roughly $7 to $11 USD. These shirts are usually the knock-off variety, so the price reflects that.
If you’re lucky enough to find an official club shirt or a national jersey, it might set you back a little more, but still, it’s not a hefty investment. Either way, you’ll be able to grab a shirt for a fraction of the cost you’d pay in Europe or North America.
Click to read about watching football in Cambodia.
Final Thoughts
So, football shirts in Tripoli are definitely an experience. It’s not about getting the most pristine jersey; it’s about grabbing something that reflects the culture, the local vibe, and, let’s be honest, getting a bargain.
Whether it’s a knock-off from the market or a rare find from an official club shop, just know that you’re part of the adventure when you pick up that shirt. Embrace the hunt, enjoy the chaos, and don’t worry too much about the badge falling off—just wear it with pride and a smile.
Click to read about my Libya Tours.