Football clubs across the UK will wear shirts featuring a poppy emblem this autumn, with the shirts auctioned to support the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal. The initiative, now in its eighth consecutive year, has raised well over £4m for the appeal.
Shirts Auctioned on MWS Platform
After matches, the unique shirts will be signed by the players who wore them and made available via auction exclusively on the MatchWornShirt (MWS) website and app. Net proceeds from the auctions will go to the Royal British Legion.
England legend Terry Butcher is backing the initiative after his son, a veteran, died while suffering from PTSD. Chelsea are among the clubs displaying the poppy emblem on their shirts.
Poppy Appeal Dates and Theme
The Poppy Appeal runs from Thursday 22 October until Armistice Day on Wednesday 11 November 2026. This year's appeal highlights that when someone serves, their family serves too, facing unique challenges and sacrifices alongside their loved one.
Ben France, Head of Corporate Partnerships at the Royal British Legion, said: “When a partner or parent serves, they often spend months away at a time, missing birthdays, anniversaries and first days at school. The impact on family life is the top reason for serving personnel considering leaving their job.”
Fan Support and Notable Auctions
James Flude, Head of Business at MWS, said: “The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces community and their families, and we’re incredibly proud to support it for the eighth consecutive year.”
Last year, Salah’s Liverpool shirt against Aston Villa topped the 2025 Poppy Appeal auction, and Haaland’s appeared twice in the top five from Manchester City’s fixtures against Liverpool and Bournemouth. Elliott Anderson’s shirt from Forest’s game against Leeds went for over £5,800.
Every donation to the Poppy Appeal helps provide vital support to the Armed Forces community. Fans can get involved in the auctions at mws.com/poppy.
