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1 month ago
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Sotheby's are set to auction off Diego Maradona's match-worn 1986 World Cup semi-final shirt - which has an estimated value of between £620,000 ($800,000) and £926,000 ($1.2million).
Maradona scored twice during the semi-final, helping Argentina beat Belgium 2-0 at Estadio Azteca, before leading his side to victory in the final of the tournament against West Germany.
After Argentina's semi-final victory against Belgium, the former Barcelona and Napoli star would swap his shirt with Belgium goalkeeper Jean-Marie Pfaff's gloves.
Maradona, who passed away in 2020, had also signed the shirt: ‘For the great Jean-Marie, with all my love.’
Pfaff has since showcased the shirt to members of the public at his pop-up museum, which opened in July 2023 and contains a range of footballing memorabilia from trophies to match-worn jerseys.
Diego Maradona's 1986 World Cup semi-final shirt (pictured) is set to go on sale at auction
The shirt is valued at between £620,000 ($800,000) and £926,000 ($1.2million) and will be sold by Sotheby's
Argentina beat Belgium 2-0 during the match, with Maradona (left) scoring both goals
‘I've treasured this shirt for nearly four decades, ever since Diego and I exchanged items after that unforgettable semi-final,' Pffaf said, speaking on his decision to bring the shirt to auction.
'Competing against one of football's greatest players was an honour but calling him a friend was even more special. Sharing this piece of history with the public at the Museum of El Sympatico in Beveren over the past year has been truly rewarding.’
Prior to that match, Argentina had booked their place in the semi-final of the World Cup following one of the most famous games in the history of the game, with Maradona scoring the 'Hand of God' goal and the 'Goal of the Century' during their 2-1 quarter-final victory against England.
Sotheby's, the premier destination for auctions relating to fine art and luxury goods, had previously sold his 'Hand of God' shirt from that match for £7.2m ($9.3m) in May 2022 - a figure which made it the most valuable football shirt in the world.
Sotheby’s Head of Streetwear and Modern Collectables, Brahm Watcher, said: 'Maradona is rightly remembered as one of the greatest footballers of all time and Sotheby’s is honoured to be part of this iconic match worn World Cup shirts history.'
'Maradona’s second World Cup shirt coming to auction at Sotheby’s further demonstrates that we are the premier destination for sports memorabilia which has grown enormously as a market in recent years.’
Maradona had swapped the jersey with Belgium goalkeeper Jean-Marie Pfaff, signing the shirt: ‘For the great Jean-Marie, with all my love.’
Pffaf (pictured) stated that he had 'treasured the shirt for nearly four decades' and had kept it in his pop-up football memorabilia museum
Maradona is one of the greatest players to have played the sport, with his 'Hand of God' jersey having recently been sold for £7.2m ($9.3m)
The 'Hand of God' jersey (pictured), is regarded as the most expensive football shirt in history
Maradona is regarded as one of the greatest footballers to have graced the game, with the former Argentina No 10 possessing an exceptional ball control and ability to dribble past opposition players.
He was also a leader on the field and was also known for his charisma and outspoken nature when it came to social and political causes. His charity, The Maradona Foundation, supports a range of charities and causes, from child welfare to diversity and inclusion.
The shirt will be on public view at Sotheby's in New York from July 26 to July 30.
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