The story behind the Ajax Bob Marley shirt

Design and meaning

Unveiled in August 2021, the Ajax third kit was created through a collaboration between Ajax, Adidas, and the family of Bob Marley. The shirt features a sleek black base with striking red, yellow, and green details — the colors associated with reggae and Rastafarian culture. On the back, just below the collar, three little birds sit atop Amsterdam's famous triple-X symbol. This clever detail pays homage to Bob Marley’s song Three Little Birds, which holds a special place in the hearts of Ajax fans.

The connection dates back to a 2008 pre-season friendly against Cardiff City, where Ajax supporters heard Three Little Birds playing over the stadium speakers. The song resonated immediately, and since then it has become an unofficial anthem for the club. Hearing thousands of Ajax fans singing “Don’t worry about a thing, 'cause every little thing is gonna be alright” before matches has become one of the most moving traditions in European football.

Popularity explosion

Upon its release, the Bob Marley-inspired shirt became an instant sensation. Ajax’s commercial director, Menno Geelen, stated that it broke all previous club merchandise records, selling four times more than any other Ajax jersey before. Fans loved not just the bold design but also the emotional story behind it, combining their love for Ajax with the universal message of hope and unity that Marley’s music represents.

The first batch sold out almost immediately. Ajax and Adidas rushed to produce more shirts due to the enormous demand, but even the second wave of production couldn’t fully satisfy the global appetite. Fans from outside the Netherlands — many of them fans of Marley or collectors of unique football kits — quickly snapped up the limited stock.

Rarity

Several factors have made the Ajax Bob Marley shirt especially rare today. First, it was only produced for a single season, with relatively limited numbers. Second, supply chain issues during the COVID-19 pandemic made restocking difficult. Third, UEFA regulations forced Ajax to alter the version of the shirt worn in European matches: the original design with the three birds had to be removed for official matches, making the "true" Bob Marley shirt even more special to fans and collectors.

Today, finding an original version of the 2021/2022 Ajax third shirt — especially in brand-new condition — is extremely difficult and often very expensive on the secondary market.

A lasting legacy

More than just a football jersey, the Ajax Bob Marley shirt is a celebration of culture, music, and community. It reminds fans that football is not just about competition, but also about the power of songs, stories, and shared memories. Whether you’re a die-hard Ajax supporter or simply a fan of Bob Marley’s timeless message, this shirt remains a symbol of hope and togetherness — and one of the most memorable kits ever made.