The Hamburg players, including Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer (pictured), will don kits worn by 28 HSV fans inscribed with messages of motivation for their clash with Cologne on Saturday evening. - © DFL/Getty Images/Oliver Hardt

bundesliga

Hamburg roll out ‘fan-worn’ kit scheme ahead of Matchday 26 clash with Cologne

13.03.2026

In a first for German football, the entire Hamburg squad will be donning kits worn by fans of the Red Shorts for their upcoming Matchday 26 clash with Cologne at the Volksparkstadion.

Whilst it’s not at all uncommon for players to donate their match-worn shirts to fans after a game, this scheme marks the first time ever that the reverse will occur in a Bundesliga clash.

As they enter the final third of the season, Hamburg launched this special campaign, which focuses on bringing the fans and the players closer together in an attempt to motivate the team for the remaining fixtures.

Working closely together with representatives of the fanbase at large and the HSV Supporters Club, 28 fans with unique stories were selected to wear the jerseys of each member of the Red Shorts’ squad in the week leading up to the game against Cologne.

These 28 fans form the beating heart of the campaign, that bears the tagline 'Getragen von EUCH' (translated: 'Worn by YOU').

Every single player, whether in the starting XI, on the substitutes' bench, or not selected to play, will have a shirt made for them with a personalised message inscribed. - Fabio Deinert

In addition to wearing the matchday shirts for a few days, these chosen fans were also tasked with writing a personal message of motivation, passion or support for HSV on the inside of the club’s badge – the part of the kit literally closest to the players’ hearts.

So, when the Hamburg players step out onto the pitch at the Volksparkstadion on Saturday evening, they won’t just be wearing a jersey - they’ll be carrying the voices, stories, and emotions of their fans with them onto the field.

“This is a really motivating gesture for us,” emphasised head coach Merlin Polzin. “Whether at the Volksparkstadion or away from home, the support of our fans is extraordinary - simply outstanding. That makes it all the nicer for the team to take the field with these personal messages from the fans – a big thank you for this support!”

Alongside the fans, former Hamburg midfielder Piotr Trochowski is also taking part in the campaign. The 41-year-old, who played 259 competitive matches for the Red Shorts, will auction his jersey - complete with his own motivational message - in the HSV Fanshop from 15 March onwards, with all proceeds going to the HSV Foundation.