Historic name · CAFZaire 1971–1997“The Leopards”

Retro Zaire Shirts

Classic Leopards shirts from the 1974 World Cup in West Germany, where Zaire became the first sub-Saharan African side at the finals. Handcrafted in the UK from 100% cotton.
Shop 3 Zaire shirtsRead the Zaire kit story ↓
Zaire 1974 World Cup Retro Football Shirt Zaire 1974 World Cup Retro Football Shirt
Made in the UKHandcrafted the old-fashioned way
100% cottonAuthentic look and feel
Adults & kidsSizes S–5XL, plus kids’ range
Name & numberPersonalise any shirt
The collection

Zaire

3 shirts
Kids’ shirtsSizes for ages 3–13 → personalisation image Add a name & numberPeriod-correct lettering →
About the collection

Retro Zaire football shirts

Zaire kit timeline
  1. 1968Africa Cup of Nations winners, as Congo-Kinshasa
  2. 1974Africa Cup of Nations winners, as Zaire
  3. 1974First sub-Saharan African team at a World Cup
  4. 1997The country returns to the name Democratic Republic of the Congo

Zaire was the name of today’s Democratic Republic of the Congo from 1971 to 1997, and its team made history in 1974. Our retro Zaire shirts recreate the classic Zaire kits of that World Cup, handcrafted in the UK from 100% cotton, with no modern sponsor or manufacturer logos.

Champions of Africa

The Leopards won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1968, when the country was known as Congo-Kinshasa. They won it again in 1974 as Zaire, beating Zambia 2–0 in a replayed final. The same year they reached the World Cup.

West Germany, 1974

Zaire were the first team from sub-Saharan Africa to play at a World Cup. They lost all three group matches without scoring, to Scotland, Yugoslavia and Brazil, but their place in history was secure. Our Zaire 1974 World Cup Retro Football Shirt, Zaire V-Neck 1974 World Cup Retro Football Shirt and Zaire 1974 World Cup Yellow Retro Football Shirt all come from that summer.

More international classics

In 1997 the country returned to the name Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the team followed. Explore more retro international shirts, or add a name and number to make your Zaire shirt your own.

Zaire shirt FAQs

Who were Zaire?+

Zaire was the name of the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 1971 to 1997. The national team played as Zaire at the 1974 World Cup.

Why is Zaire’s 1974 World Cup famous?+

Zaire were the first team from sub-Saharan Africa to play at a World Cup finals, in West Germany in 1974.

Can I add a name and number to my Zaire shirt?+

Yes. Choose a name and number for £12, or just a name or just a number for £7.50. We match the lettering style to the era of your shirt.

What sizes do the Zaire shirts come in?+

Adult shirts come in sizes S to 5XL, and we make a kids’ range too. Check the size guide on each shirt for chest measurements.

Can I return my shirt?+

Unpersonalised shirts can be returned within 14 days. Personalised shirts are made to order, so they can’t be returned unless faulty.