Soccer is the most followed sport on the planet, and its memorabilia market reflects that scale. Here are the records.
1. Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” Shirt (1986)
Worn by Maradona during the 1986 World Cup quarter-final against England. Sold at Sotheby’s for £7.1 million ($9.3 million) in 2022.
2. Pelé’s 1970 World Cup Final Match-Worn Shirt
Worn during Brazil’s 4-1 victory over Italy. Sold at Christie’s for $225,750 in 2002 — by today’s standards likely worth $5-10 million.
3. 1966 Jules Rimet Trophy Replica
The original trophy was stolen in 1983; the 1970 replica is in FIFA possession. Earlier 1966-1970 official replica trophies have appeared at auction for $100,000-$300,000.
4. Lionel Messi 2022 World Cup Final Match-Worn Shirts
Messi’s six 2022 World Cup match-worn shirts (one per knockout round) sold at Sotheby’s for $7.8 million in 2023.
5. Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United 2008 Champions League Final Shirt
Match-worn from Ronaldo’s first Champions League title. Authenticated examples reach $300,000-$800,000.
6. 1953 Stanley Matthews FA Cup Final Match-Worn Shirt
Worn during the legendary “Matthews Final”. Sold at Bonhams for £45,000 in 2009; estimated current value $150,000-$300,000.
7. 1953 Hungary 6-3 England Match-Worn Puskás Shirt
Worn by Ferenc Puskás during Hungary’s historic Wembley victory. Top examples reach $200,000-$500,000.
8. 1958 World Cup Final Match-Worn Shirt (Pelé)
Pelé’s first World Cup at age 17. Documented examples reach $1-3 million range.
9. Original 1966 World Cup Final Match Programme
England’s only World Cup. Mint examples sell for $5,000-$15,000.
10. Real Madrid 1956 European Cup Final Programme
The first European Cup. Mint examples sell for $5,000-$15,000.
Authentication
Sotheby’s, Christie’s, Goldin, and Graham Budd Auctions (UK) handle high-end soccer memorabilia. Photo-matching by Resolution Photomatching, MeiGray, or PSA/DNA is essential for match-worn items. Match-issued (not match-worn) shirts trade for 30-50% of match-worn values. Beware “game-worn” claims without photo-match documentation.
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