The 8 Most Expensive Football Shirts Ever Sold

1.   Diego Maradona’s "Hand of God" Shirt (1986)

The most expensive football shirt sold at auction is £7,142,500 and was achieved by Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' shirt worn at the 1986 World Cup quarter-final, which was sold at Sotheby's, London, UK, on 4 May 2022.

The shirt was worn by Diego Maradona as he helped Argentina to knock out England in the quarter-final of the 1986 World Cup. The second goal that Maradona scored in that game was dubbed the 'goal of the century' in a FIFA poll in 2002. Maradona's Argentina went on to knock out Belgium in the semi-finals and beat West Germany 3-2 in the final to lift the famous trophy.

Price - £7.1 million

 

2.   Lionel Messi’s World Cup Shirt (2022)

This historic set includes six shirts Lionel Messi wore during Argentina’s unforgettable 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign in Qatar, covering both the group stage and knockout rounds. The collection culminates in the shirt worn during the heart-pounding final against France, where Argentina clinched the world cup in a dramatic penalty shootout.

The proceeds helped fund the UNICAS Project, a medical initiative supporting children with rare diseases. This auction not only cemented the legacy of one of football’s greatest players but also set a new standard for the value of modern sports memorabilia.

Price – £6.1 million

 

3.   Pelé’s 1970 World Cup Final Shirt (1970)

This shirt was worn by Pelé during the 1970 FIFA World Cup Final in Mexico, where Brazil delivered a commanding 4–1 victory over Italy to secure their third World Cup title. Pelé scored the opening goal of the match and, in doing so, became the only player in history to win three FIFA World Cups in 1958, 1962 and 1970.

The final marked the culmination of what many consider the greatest team in football history, and Pelé’s performance cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time icons. The shirt was auctioned by Christie’s in 2002 and remains one of the most revered and valuable artifacts in the world of sports memorabilia.

Price - £157,000

 

4.   Sir Geoff Hurst’s 1966 World Cup Final Shirt (1966)

Sir Geoff Hurst made history in the 1966 FIFA World Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, becoming the only player ever to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final. His goals led England to a 4–2 victory over West Germany, securing the nation's first and still only World Cup.

The shirt he wore during that momentous match was sold in 2000 and remains one of the most iconic pieces of English football history. A tangible reminder of the country’s greatest sporting triumph, the jersey is revered by collectors and fans alike as a national treasure.

Price - £91,750

 

5.   Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United Debut Shirt (2003)

This shirt was worn by Cristiano Ronaldo during the 2008 UEFA Champions League Final in Moscow, where Manchester United defeated Chelsea in a dramatic penalty shootout. Ronaldo scored the opening goal with a trademark header but later missed his penalty in the shootout, yet United triumphed, securing their third European title.

That season marked a turning point in Ronaldo's career, as he went on to win the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 2008. The shirt sold at auction in 2023, is one of the few Ronaldo match-worn shirts to break the five-figure threshold.

Price - £39,000

 

6.   Paul Gascoigne’s Italia '90 Shirt (1990) 

Paul Gascoigne’s shirt from the 1990 FIFA World Cup semi-final against West Germany is a powerful symbol of England’s near-glory and the emotional intensity of that tournament.

The match is remembered not only for its heartbreaking penalty shootout loss, but also for Gascoigne’s tearful reaction after receiving a yellow card that would have ruled him out of the final, had England advanced.

The shirt captures Gazza’s passion, skill, and vulnerability, and resonates deeply with fans who remember that moment as a defining image of football’s emotional depth. More than just fabric, this jersey tells a story of raw dedication and the love of the game.

Price - £28,680

 

7.   George Best’s Match-Worn Manchester United Shirt (1969)

This shirt, worn by George Best during the 1969 season with Manchester United, remains a timeless tribute to one of football’s most naturally gifted and charismatic players. Best’s dazzling skill, magnetic personality, and fearless style of play made him a global icon earning him the nickname “The Fifth Beatle.”

The shirt is more than a collectible, it's a piece of football artistry that continues to captivate fans and collectors alike. It stands as a testament to Best’s enduring legacy at Manchester United, a club he helped shape into a global powerhouse through his brilliance on the pitch.

Price – £24,000

 

8.   Eric Cantona’s Iconic Shirt (1996)

Eric Cantona’s Manchester United shirt from the 1996 season is a cherished relic of an era defined by flair, dominance, and fearless leadership.

The Shirt captures the essence of “King Eric” a player whose influence on English football extended far beyond the scoresheet.

Price - £15,350

 

Football shirts are more than just clothing; they are living artifacts of the game’s history and the legends who defined it. From Maradona’s unforgettable "Hand of God" moment to Messi’s triumphant World Cup win, each shirt encapsulates not only a match but a moment that changed football forever.

These shirts have transcended the pitch to become symbols of greatness, emotion, and enduring legacy. The jaw-dropping sums they command at auction are not just about rarity, they also reflect the deep personal connections fans around the world have to the stories behind them. In every thread, sweat stain, and number printed on the back, there’s a chapter of football’s living history.

 

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