‘Got the hat-trick’ - AC Milan loanee Kyle Walker reveals favourite shirt swaps after facing legends such as Lionel Messi, Neymar & Kylian Mbappe

The England international defender faced that iconic trio when lining up against Paris Saint-Germain in Champions League action. Walker was on the books of Manchester City at the time, but bid farewell to the Etihad Stadium during the winter transfer window of 2025.

He has faced some of the most iconic figures to have ever graced a pitch during his distinguished career, with ex-Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo another familiar opponent, but has always made a point of never requesting a jersey on derby day.

Quizzed on the Kyle Walker Podcast about his most memorable swaps, the 34-year-old full-back said: “I have Ash's [Ashley Cole] shirt in my house. It is in a frame. He was one I wanted to collect. I don't own an Arsenal shirt. I have never swapped with a derby rival on a game day - I think it shows a bit of respect for the fans.

“[Robert] Pires, I got an Aston Villa one when we played there, and he signed one personally to me. Being a World Cup winner, it was something I had to ask for. Fernando Torres at Chelsea, as much as it is probably not an iconic shirt, which it would have been from him at Liverpool, for the fee he went for, the drama in the transfer situation, to get that shirt was a good one for me.

“I was fortunate enough to play against Paris St-Germain a number of times when the famous three were playing - Neymar, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe. I got all three on different occasions. I got the hat-trick.”

Walker will be hoping that he gets many more opportunities to face the best in the business, with club and country, with a permanent transfer to Milan expected to be completed while chasing down a place in England’s 2026 World Cup plans.