Do soccer players have spare jerseys? Erling Haaland changes kit after violent tussle

Erling Haaland had to swap jerseys in the middle of the game after a physical clash left his kit torn just moments after scoring to make it 2-1 for Manchester City against Arsenal.

The Norwegian striker had just found the net when he became involved in a heavy tussle with Piero Hincapié, and the damage was immediate. His shirt ripped in the challenge, forcing him to head to the sideline and quickly change into a fresh one before rejoining play.

Soccer players spare jerseys

Incidents like this are routine in elite soccer, and clubs are fully prepared for them. Players do not rely on a single jersey for a match. Instead, each member of the squad is issued multiple identical shirts, all printed in advance with their name and number. One is worn from kickoff, while others are kept ready with kit staff on the bench and in the locker room in case they are needed.

The reasons are practical rather than exceptional. Shirts are frequently pulled, stretched, or torn during physical duels, particularly for forwards who spend much of the game battling center backs. In other cases, a change may be required if a player is bleeding, or if the shirt becomes too dirty or damaged to continue. Competition rules require that any replacement shirt must be identical, ensuring that numbers remain clearly visible to referees and officials.

Haaland’s mid-game change was a clear example of how physical the sport remains at the highest level. Strikers are constant targets for defenders, especially in decisive moments inside the box, and their shirts often bear the evidence. That is why clubs travel with multiple kits per player, allowing for quick changes that keep the game moving without disruption.

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