When it comes to retro jerseys and vintage football shirts, few designs have reached cult status like the Fiorentina 1997/98 home kit. Known universally as the “Nintendo Super Mario jersey,” this shirt captured not only the elegance of Italian football but also the playful spirit of the 1990s. With its bold sponsor, clean Lotto design, and unforgettable connection to global gaming culture, it remains one of the most collectible football shirts of all time.
The late 1990s were a fascinating era for AFC Fiorentina. Under manager Alberto Malesani, the club boasted an attacking lineup that lit up Serie A. Fans at the Stadio Artemio Franchi thrilled to the sight of legends like Gabriel Batistuta, Rui Costa, and Edmundo, who combined flair, technique, and South American firepower.
The 1997/98 season saw Fiorentina push hard in both domestic and European competitions. Though consistency eluded them in the league, the Viola played with style and personality, embodying the passion of Florence. Their results may not have brought silverware, but the football they played — and the shirt they wore — etched itself into history.
For supporters, the Nintendo-sponsored jersey was more than just fabric. It became the uniform of an era defined by Batistuta’s goals, Rui Costa’s elegance, and the dream of Fiorentina competing with Italy’s giants.
The sponsorship of football clubs in the 90s was bold, colorful, and often experimental. While many Italian clubs were backed by banks, automakers, or local industries, Fiorentina partnered with Nintendo, the Japanese gaming giant.
For a generation of fans, the sight of the Nintendo logo — and its playful connection to Super Mario — on a Serie A shirt was surreal. This was the decade when gaming and football began to intertwine, and Fiorentina were at the heart of it. Kids who played Mario Kart after school now watched Batistuta score wearing the same brand on his chest.
It was a sponsorship that transcended sport, bridging pop culture, video games, and football in a way rarely seen before or since. For this reason, the Fiorentina 1997/98 home kit has remained firmly lodged in the collective memory of fans around the world.
The Fiorentina 1997/98 home jersey was produced by Lotto, one of the leading kit manufacturers of the decade. Its design was simple yet timeless:
Primary Color: Classic Viola purple, the eternal symbol of Florence.
Trim: White collar and sleeve edges provided a sharp contrast, balancing elegance with boldness.
Sponsor: The iconic Nintendo logo printed across the chest in bright red, instantly grabbing attention.
Fabric: Lightweight polyester, typical of the 90s, with a slightly loose fit that gives today’s collectors a nostalgic reminder of the era’s style.
This combination of traditional club identity with modern pop culture branding made the shirt unforgettable. Unlike some of the wilder 90s designs, Fiorentina’s kit managed to stay sleek while still feeling unique — a balance that few clubs achieved.
The Nintendo Super Mario Fiorentina jersey has achieved cult status for several reasons:
Pop Culture Connection – It’s one of the only examples of a global video game company sponsoring a top-flight football club.
Batistuta’s Era – Worn during the prime years of Fiorentina’s greatest ever striker, Gabriel Batistuta, who remains a legend in Florence.
90s Aesthetic – Clean Lotto design, bold sponsor, and classic Serie A feel make it instantly recognizable.
Collector’s Dream – Among vintage football shirts, it’s one of the most sought-after, often commanding high prices in the retro market.
Global Nostalgia – Whether you grew up playing FIFA 98 or Mario Kart, this jersey represents the perfect fusion of 90s football and culture.
Owning this retro jersey isn’t just about supporting Fiorentina — it’s about owning a piece of football history that connects stadiums, video games, and childhood memories.
The Fiorentina 1997/98 Nintendo Super Mario jersey is much more than a football shirt. It’s a cultural icon that embodies the beauty of Serie A in the 1990s, the global reach of Nintendo, and the artistry of players like Batistuta and Rui Costa.
For collectors, it stands as a crown jewel among retro jerseys. For fans, it’s a reminder of an era when Fiorentina dared to dream and did so in unforgettable style.
In the world of vintage football shirts, few designs spark as much joy, conversation, and nostalgia as this one. Owning it is not just collecting a kit — it’s collecting a memory, a feeling, and a timeless connection between football and pop culture.
Buy it on link below.
AFC Fiorentina Home Maglia 1997/1998 Nintendo Super Mario
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