Most of us would think of an old football shirt as little more than a nostalgic keepsake, worth a few pounds at best on Vinted. Yet in the world of sports memorabilia, certain jerseys have sold for sums that rival a Picasso piece.
For probate solicitors and executors, it’s a reminder that sometimes an ordinary seeming item folded away in a drawer can carry extraordinary value.
Shirts Worth a Fortune
- Diego Maradona – 1986 “Hand of God” World Cup Shirt
Sold for £7.1 million at Sotheby’s in London in 2022 . This was the shirt worn when Maradona scored both his infamous “Hand of God” goal and the “Goal of the Century” against England. Its value lies in being tied to one of football’s most iconic and controversial moments. - Lionel Messi – 2022 World Cup Victory Shirts
Six shirts worn by Messi during Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar were sold together for $7.8 million (£6.1 million) at Sotheby’s in December 2023 . They represent the pinnacle of Messi’s career when he finally lifted the World Cup. - Pelé – 1970 World Cup Final Shirt
Auctioned at Christie’s in London in 2002 for £157,750 . Pelé wore this yellow Brazil No.10 shirt in the World Cup final against Italy, where he scored the opening goal in a 4-1 victory. It symbolises Brazil’s third World Cup win and Pelé’s place in football history. - Sir Bobby Charlton – 1966 Semi-Final Shirt
Worn in England’s 2-1 win over Portugal, this shirt fetched £59,040 (including fees) at Hansons Auctioneers in 2023 . Charlton scored both goals in that match. The sale took place shortly after his passing.
What Makes a Football Shirt Valuable?
While very few estates will contain a World Cup final jersey, executors and solicitors should be aware that seemingly “ordinary” shirts can sometimes carry significant value. Collectors pay premiums for certain features:
- Match-worn shirts – Jerseys actually worn by players in competitive matches are the most valuable. Sotheby’s highlighted this when selling Messi’s 2022 World Cup shirts, noting they were all match-worn.
- Provenance – Value depends on proving who wore it and when. The record Maradona sale was only possible because the shirt came directly from England’s Steve Hodge, who swapped it with him after the game.
- Rarity and quirks – Unusual details such as limited runs, odd colours, or printing errors can increase desirability.
- Nostalgia for 1990s club shirts – Retro Premier League shirts (e.g. Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool from the 1990s) are now traded at much higher prices than their original cost. While not usually in the six-figure league, they can fetch hundreds or even thousands in good condition.
- Autographs– Particularly when the signature is from a household name. For global stars like David Beckham, a genuine autograph can turn a shirt into a serious collector’s item.
Football shirts may look like everyday clothing, but as these examples show, the right name or moment can transform them into assets worth tens of thousands, possibly even millions.
Mark Littler is co-founder of Swift Values, a nationwide chattels valuations service
