Special edition shirt: FC Schalke 04 celebrate 150 years of Gelsenkirchen

“Schalke 04 is deeply rooted in the history and heart of Gelsenkirchen. For more than a century, the city and the club have shaped one another, sharing successes, setbacks and countless memories. That’s why this anniversary carries real meaning for the whole of FC Schalke 04,” explained Matthias Tillmann, the club’s CEO. “With this special edition shirt, we’re celebrating not only 150 years of city history, but also the deep bond between our club and its home. My sincere thanks go to our main sponsor, Sun Minimeal, who made this possible by giving up their place on the front of the shirt.”

Mayor Andrea Henze emphasised the sense of unity: “Gelsenkirchen is Schalke and Schalke is Gelsenkirchen. Our city and its club are inseparable, having enjoyed glorious moments and endured big dramas together, overcoming upheavals and setbacks, and now looking forward together to the future with optimism. That’s why I’m especially pleased that FC Gelsenkirchen-Schalke 04 have produced a special edition shirt for the city’s 150th birthday, featuring the Gelsenkirchen crest. It’s a powerful expression of identity and belonging. The fact that part of the proceeds will go to children and young people in the city makes that message even stronger.”

With this unique shirt, the Knappen are not only contributing to the city’s anniversary celebrations, but also giving something back to the people of Gelsenkirchen. Schalke will donate a share of the revenue from shirt sales as well as the proceeds from the auction of the match worn shirts. Schalke hilft! will direct the donation together with the city of Gelsenkirchen to five organisations who have spent many years supporting people in everyday life and giving them hope: the Gelsenkirchener Tafel e.V., Amigonianer Soziale Werke gGmbH, Lalok Libre, Mädchenzentrum e.V., and the Arche Noah short-term care and children’s hospice.

In dark green and featuring elements of the city crest, the special edition shirt is designed to stand out well beyond Gelsenkirchen. The long-sleeved shirt comes with black and white sleeve details – the colours of the city flag – and carries the city’s founding seal on the back of the neck. On the chest, the adidas embroidery sits above the S04 badge and the Gelsenkirchen crest, both applied as silicone patches. The back includes an exclusive print that reads Gelsenkirchen-Schalke. Each shirt can also be customised with one of the 18 districts or a Gelsenkirchen badge. This special feature shows the outline of the city with a fine street-map pattern – the district name appears in white, and the outline of the district itself is highlighted in a lighter, subtly shimmering green. Hegmanns, as a Gelsenkirchen-based company, is also subtly incorporated into the badge. The message behind this special feature is: “Show where you’re from! Whether Buer or Ückendorf, Schalke or Horst – 18 districts, one club.” The customisation feature had already been teased in the run-up to the launch, with beer mats appearing in pubs in Buer, napkins at the Christmas market in the old town and a large banner displayed in the district of Schalke.

Available now in limited quantities

The special edition shirt is available now in limited quantities at shop.schalke04.de/en and in all S04 fan shops. Each shirt comes in a special presentation box and costs €99.95 (adults, S–XXXL) or €79.95 (kids, 128–176). Name and number printing, the 2. Bundesliga logo and the district badge can be added as optional extras. Please note that selecting a sleeve badge counts as personalisation, meaning exchange or return is not possible. The jersey is available while stocks last.

The launch is accompanied by a 150 Years of Gelsenkirchen collection, consisting of two shirts, two hoodies and a track top. The range also includes a cap, beanie, socks, hip bag, mug, scarf and pennant.