Tepito: The Mexican paradise for counterfeit football jerseys
The historic Tepito district in Mexico City has become a major hub for the illegal trade of 'clones'—high-quality counterfeit football jerseys circulating across Latin America.
Mexique évidemment, mais aussi Portugal, Argentine, France... le choix des maillots ne manque pas au « Barrio Bravo ». (B. Quetzalli /L'Équipe) Maillots, chaussures et matches de foot... On trouve tout à Tepito. (B. Quetzalli/L'Équipe) Le Mexique à l'honneur : 400 pesos (20 euros) pour le maillot domicile (vert), 400 pour l'extérieur (blanc) et 350 (17,50 €) pour le Third (noir). (B. Quetzalli/L'Équipe)
The Tepito district, located north of Mexico City's historic center, is known not only for its deep history but also as one of Latin America's largest hubs for contraband. Locals call this market the "fayuca," where, within a labyrinth of narrow streets, the trade of counterfeit sportswear, known as "clones," thrives.
In countless small stalls, one can find almost any football jersey imaginable. The quality of these "clones" varies, but demand remains consistently high due to their affordability. For example, Mexico national team jerseys cost around 20 euros, while prices for kits of teams eliminated from tournaments can drop as low as 7.50 euros. Much of this merchandise originates in Asia before being transported through Mexican ports.
For many residents of the "Barrio Bravo," as Tepito is known, this market is the primary source of income. Urban anthropologist Rolando Alfonso Zarate describes this activity as an "act of resistance" and a survival strategy for the marginalized. However, the market is closely tied to the Union Tepito cartel, rendering the area dangerous for outsiders, especially after dark.
Despite government raids, such as "Operación Limpieza" prior to the World Cup, the market quickly reorganizes. Football remains an integral part of life in Tepito; locals play on synthetic grass pitches tucked between apartment buildings, and legends like Cuauhtémoc Blanco emerged from this rough yet vibrant environment.