Olympique de Marseille 2005-2006 Third Shirt - Ribéry No.7 (XL)

For a twenty-year-old shirt, it has held up very well. The gold and navy are still strong, with no noticeable fading, and the Neuf Telecom sponsor is complete, with no missing parts or cracking. The sky-blue shoulder stripes and the collar are in good shape. Only one point to note: a tiny snag in the navy knit, below the sponsor (photo 6). The RIBERY 7 printing is smooth, with no lifting edges.

Not sure about the size? This XL measures 59 x 76 cm: compare with the flat measurements below, or check my size guide.

Flat measurements

A roomy XL, typical of the straight cuts of the mid-2000s. Lay a shirt that fits you well flat, measure it the same way and compare.

Key facts about this piece

A tiny snag in the navy section, just below the "telecom" of the sponsor: two minute lighter pulled-thread dots, visible up close (photo 6). Nothing is torn and the knit holds. When worn, it goes unnoticed.

✦ Lifetime authenticity guarantee

Item checked by hand in my authentication workshop. If an item bought from me ever turned out not to be authentic, I refund it in full. No expiry date: only original pieces, never modern reissues.

• adidas inner label: model code 110212 and production date 03/05 printed on the satin, next to the composition label with the adidas logo (photo 4)
• Embroidered OM crest: raised sky-blue monogram, gold star above and the "Droit au but" motto embroidered below, dense stitching with no loose threads (photo 3)
• Fabric and cut: slightly glossy polyester, breathable mesh panels on the sides and under the arms, gold and navy split perfectly aligned from collar to hem (photo 2)
• Finishing: sky-blue embroidered adidas logo, three sky-blue stripes sewn on the shoulders, two-tone crew neck (photos 1 and 2)

The season Ribéry broke through

Summer 2005: OM sign Franck Ribéry, 22, back from Galatasaray. Having come through Boulogne, Alès and Brest before blossoming at Metz, he became the darling of the Vélodrome within months, wearing the number 7.

Summer 2005: OM win the Intertoto Cup, their ticket to the UEFA Cup.

29 April 2006: Coupe de France final at the Stade de France, lost 2-1 to PSG.

A few weeks later, Raymond Domenech took him to the World Cup in Germany, where he scored against Spain in the round of 16; France went all the way to the final. This gold and navy third shirt, split down the middle, goes with the year everything changed for him.

Frequently asked questions