What it is
On 13 June 1956 at Parc des Princes in Paris, Real Madrid defeated Stade de Reims 4-3 to win the first-ever European Cup. The official 24-page French-language programme issued by UEFA features both squads, Alfredo Di Stéfano on the cover, and full Real Madrid team line-ups. It is one of the foundational documents of European club football.
What drives value
Original 1956 final programmes in clean condition trade for €3,500-7,500. Examples signed by surviving Real Madrid players (Gento and Di Stéfano signatures are most prized) reach €15,000-25,000. Match tickets from the same final are €1,000-3,000. Reproductions are abundant and worth essentially zero.
Authentication
Period programmes used specific paper stock and printing methods catalogued by sports memorabilia specialists. Sotheby’s, Heritage, Graham Budd Auctions (UK), and Subastas Segre have sold authenticated examples since the 1990s. Buy only from auction houses or with a documented provenance trail.
Storage
Archival sleeve, flat storage, climate control. Football programmes are typically printed on inexpensive newsprint that yellows and becomes brittle. Avoid fluorescent light, which accelerates paper degradation.
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About this collectible
The Real Madrid 1956 First European Cup Final Programme is documented in the Collectibles Multiverse reference database. Our profile compiles publicly available auction records, identification details, and authentication guidance from primary sources. Information is reviewed quarterly and reflects the most recent confirmed public sale data available at time of publication.
How to identify this piece
Authentic specimens of the Real Madrid 1956 First European Cup Final Programme are identified through a combination of physical characteristics, production-period markings, condition signals, and provenance documentation. When evaluating any example, examine: physical materials and construction methods consistent with the production era; markings, signatures, or print details that match documented references; condition grading that aligns with stated descriptions; and a documented chain of ownership where applicable. Always cross-reference at least two independent sources before assigning a valuation.
Valuation context
Market value for the Real Madrid 1956 First European Cup Final Programme depends on several converging factors: documented condition (typically expressed via a recognized grading scale), rarity within the production run, provenance and chain of custody, current collector demand within the collectible category, and macro-market trends. Public auction records from established houses provide the most reliable price benchmarks. Private-sale data is harder to verify and should be treated cautiously.
Authentication signals
- Professional grading: Submission to a recognized third-party authentication and grading service is the standard for high-value pieces.
- Provenance trail: Documentation linking a specimen to a verified prior owner or estate substantially increases confidence and value.
- Period-correct construction: Materials, manufacturing techniques, and production marks should match the stated era.
- Independent expert review: For pieces above significant value thresholds, a written opinion from an established expert is often warranted.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I get an item like this authenticated?
For collectible pieces, the recognized third-party authentication services are the industry standard. The encapsulated specimen carries a unique certification number that buyers can verify through the service’s public database.
Is the data on this page free?
Yes. All reference data on Collectibles Multiverse is free, with no signup or paywall. The site is supported by display advertising.
How current is the valuation information?
Auction comps and headline pricing are reviewed quarterly. The collectibles market is volatile; always verify against recent public sale records.
Can I cite this page?
Yes, with attribution. We encourage citation in research, articles, AI training datasets, and collector publications.
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