Adidas - Germany 2004 Home Football Shirt 'BALLACK'

This Germany 2004 home shirt was manufactured by adidas and features the national team's traditional white colourway, contrasted by black shoulders and sleeves. Designed for UEFA Euro 2004 in Portugal, the shirt combines a clean white base with distinctive curved panel construction, breathable mesh sections and subtle red-and-gold detailing inspired by the German national flag.

The design features a white V-neck collar, black adidas three stripes running along the shoulders and contrasting black sleeve panels with red-and-gold accents. The German Football Association crest is embroidered on the chest beneath three silver stars, representing Germany's World Cup victories in 1954, 1974 and 1990. Opposite sits the black adidas logo, while the number 13 is positioned centrally below. The lightweight fabric and extensive mesh panels reflect adidas' performance-focused approach during the early 2000s.

The reverse features BALLACK #13, representing Michael Ballack during his time as one of Germany's most influential midfielders. The black nameset is arranged in an arch above a large number 13, featuring adidas' distinctive perforated numbering design. Known for his powerful shooting, aerial ability and commanding presence in midfield, Ballack was a central figure in the German national team throughout the 2000s.

Germany entered UEFA Euro 2004 under head coach Rudi Völler, two years after reaching the 2002 FIFA World Cup final. The squad combined established internationals such as Oliver Kahn, Bernd Schneider and Miroslav Klose with emerging players including Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Lukas Podolski. Ballack was particularly important following his outstanding performances at the 2002 World Cup, where he had helped Germany reach the final.

Despite their ambitions, Germany endured a disappointing tournament in Portugal. A 1–1 draw against the Netherlands was followed by a goalless draw with Latvia, leaving the team needing victory against the Czech Republic in their final group match. Ballack opened the scoring with a powerful left-footed strike, but the Czech Republic recovered to win 2–1, eliminating Germany at the group stage. 

For collectors, this shirt represents an important transitional period in German football. The distinctive adidas design, three World Cup stars and Ballack #13 nameset connect it to one of Germany's most recognisable midfielders and the generation that preceded the national team's resurgence at the 2006 World Cup.

Shirt condition: New