The red hue of Denmark’s 1988 European Championship jersey still sparks memories of Walkmans, Duran Duran, mullets, and long summer nights. Football fans recall a tournament that didn’t go Denmark’s way, yet paved the path for something bigger. Now, nearly four decades later, Hummel has answered the calls of a determined fan base by bringing this beloved shirt back into the spotlight.
It’s the same design Michael Laudrup, Morten Olsen, and Preben Elkjær once wore during that tough group stage in Germany. Denmark faced Italy, Spain, and West Germany, leaving the tournament without a point and with a 2–7 goal difference. That record wasn’t what supporters had hoped for, but the seeds of a new era were planted all the same.
“After a huge demand from Danish fans, we are delighted to finally bring back the iconic national team jersey from Euro ’88,” says Morten Lund, Hummel’s Marketing Director. “While this particular jersey wasn’t part of Denmark’s greatest footballing triumphs, it remains a symbol of an era that helped put Danish football on the world map. That’s why we believe fans deserve a chance to relive those memories and wear a piece of the national team’s proud history.”
They wore this same shirt during the 1990 World Cup qualifiers too. Although Denmark racked up wins against teams like Bulgaria and Greece, they never reached the tournament itself. Even so, the jersey became a badge of pride.
A nod to the past and a look ahead
For the Danish Football Federation (DBU), this reissue means more than just selling a retro top. “Euro 1988 was a disappointment in terms of results, but it also marked the beginning of a new era for Danish football,” says DBU’s Commercial Director, Birgitte Mabeck. She believes this jersey is a reminder of how far Denmark has come and a celebration of the players who shaped that story.
The shirt’s eye-catching chevrons and bold stripes remain unchanged. Hummel’s choice to keep the design fully intact underscores the enduring connection Danish fans have with those late-80s aesthetics. It’s priced around $85, giving supporters a chance to hold an authentic piece of their nation’s football heritage.
In relaunching this shirt, Hummel and the DBU aren’t just revisiting the past. They’re tapping into the power of nostalgia while inspiring a new generation to carry Danish football forward. It’s a callback to a time when a team’s spirit meant everything, even if the scoreboard didn’t always cooperate. And that enduring spirit is exactly why this kit still resonates today.
Bring back the 1988’s here.
