The Hertha Berlin 1997–98 Home Retro Football Jersey celebrates a defining season in the modern history of the German capital club. Following promotion from the 2. Bundesliga in 1996–97, Hertha returned to Germany's top division after six seasons away. Under manager Jürgen Röber, the team finished 11th in the Bundesliga, successfully maintaining its top-flight status and establishing the foundations for a new era. The campaign marked the beginning of an extended period of Bundesliga football for Hertha, making the season particularly memorable for supporters.
The squad featured Michael Preetz, Bryan Roy, Andreas Thom, Kjetil Rekdal, Pál Dárdai, Dick van Burik and Gábor Király. Preetz provided attacking quality and would become one of the club's greatest modern goalscorers, while Dutch international Roy contributed technical ability and experience. Rekdal offered leadership in midfield, and Dárdai represented an emerging generation that would become closely associated with Hertha's future. Together, these players helped the Berlin club establish itself in the Bundesliga following its long-awaited promotion.
The jersey features distinctive horizontal navy-blue-and-white stripes across the body and sleeves, creating an unusual departure from Hertha's more familiar vertical-striped home designs. A traditional navy-blue fold-over polo collar with contrasting white accents provides a classic late-1990s appearance, while coordinated shoulder stripes add further period character. The historic Hertha BSC crest and prominent chest lettering complete the design, reflecting the expressive football-shirt aesthetics of the era. Closely associated with Hertha's successful return to Germany's top division, this heritage home jersey is a memorable tribute to the club's 1997–98 generation.
Please refer to the size guidance on this product page for detailed measurements.
Hertha BSC 1997–98 Home Jersey
Buy 4 selected tops & save 20% · Buy 2 items & save 10%
Size Guidance (Retro Jersey)
Size Chest (in) Length (in) Rec. Height (ft/in) Rec. Weight (lb) S 39 28 65–67 121–132 M 41 28 67–69 132–154 L 43 29 69–71 154–176 XL 44 30 71–75 176–198 XXL 46 31 75–79 198–220 Note: All sizes are for reference only. Manual measurement may result in an error of ±1 inch.
IN BETWEEN SIZES?
That's easier said than done. Because what do you do if you are in between two sizes?
Well, that's up to you. Do you like a tight fit? Go for the smaller size. Loving a loose fit? Go for the larger size.
TOP FIT
If your body measurements for chest and waist result in two different suggested sizes, order the size from your chest measurement.
Rec. Player Printing Options
The Hertha Berlin 1997–98 Home Retro Jersey celebrates the club's return to the Bundesliga, featuring established internationals Bryan Roy and Andreas Thom alongside future club legends Michael Preetz and Pál Dárdai.
Best Printing Choice: PREETZ 11
Other Strong Options: ROY 9 / REKDAL 10 / DÁRDAI 18 / THOM 27 / VAN BURIK 4
Printing
Recommendation
PREETZ 11
Best Choice – Michael Preetz was an important attacking figure who would become one of Hertha's greatest modern goalscorers.
ROY 9
Dutch International – Bryan Roy brought international experience, technical ability and attacking creativity to Hertha's forward line.
REKDAL 10
Midfield Leader – Norwegian international Kjetil Rekdal provided leadership, passing quality and valuable experience.
DÁRDAI 18
Future Club Legend – Pál Dárdai was developing into a dependable midfielder who would become one of Hertha's most respected figures.
THOM 27
Experienced Forward – Andreas Thom joined during the campaign and brought extensive German and international football experience.
VAN BURIK 4
Defensive Mainstay – Dutch defender Dick van Burik became an influential and long-serving member of Hertha's defence.
SVER RISSON 6
Versatile International – Icelandic international Eyjólfur Sverrisson contributed experience and defensive versatility.
KIRÁLY 12
Goalkeeping Talent – Hungarian goalkeeper Gábor Király was beginning his long association with Hertha Berlin.
UNPRINTED
Collector's Choice – Preserves the distinctive horizontal navy-and-white stripes of this unusual 1990s home design.
DETAILED RECOMMENDATION
We recommend PREETZ 11 as the standout printing choice for the Hertha Berlin 1997–98 Home Retro Jersey.
Michael Preetz was a central figure in Hertha's return to the Bundesliga. His intelligent movement, finishing ability and attacking consistency helped establish the club in Germany's top division. He would later become the Bundesliga's leading goalscorer in 1998–99, further strengthening his reputation as a Hertha legend.
ROY 9 is another excellent option, celebrating Dutch international Bryan Roy, whose creativity and technical quality brought valuable experience to the squad.
REKDAL 10 represents the leadership of Norwegian international Kjetil Rekdal, while DÁRDAI 18 honours the early career of one of Hertha's most enduring club figures.
The UNPRINTED version is especially attractive for collectors because of the shirt's distinctive horizontal striped design.
Season Information
Information
Details
Season / Year
1997–98
Club
Hertha BSC
Country
Germany
City
Berlin
Competition(s)
Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal
Bundesliga Result
11th place – Successfully retained top-flight status
Historical Context
First Bundesliga season following promotion in 1996–97
Manager
Jürgen Röber
Home Stadium
Olympiastadion Berlin
Key Players
Michael Preetz, Bryan Roy, Andreas Thom, Kjetil Rekdal, Pál Dárdai, Dick van Burik, Eyjólfur Sverrisson, Gábor Király
Kit Type
Home – Short Sleeve
Primary Colours
Navy Blue and White
Main Design
Alternating horizontal navy-blue-and-white hoops
Collar
Navy-blue fold-over polo collar with white accents
Shoulder Details
Contrasting stripes along the shoulders
Sleeve Design
Horizontal navy-and-white stripes
Chest Graphics
Prominent period-style lettering across the front
Historical Significance
Hertha's successful return to the Bundesliga after six seasons in the second division
The 1997–98 campaign marked an important turning point in Hertha Berlin's modern history. Following promotion from the 2. Bundesliga, Hertha returned to Germany's top division and finished 11th under manager Jürgen Röber. The season established the foundations for a long period of Bundesliga football in the German capital.
