Former Chelsea captain and five-time Premier League winner, John Terry, recently garnered significant attention as a selection of his extensive football jersey collection went under the hammer. An exclusive auction hosted by Goldin in the United States featured a total of 15 remarkable items from Terry’s cherished memorabilia, with shirts once worn by global football icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo commanding top prices and contributing to a combined auction value nearing $300,000.
Among the most coveted items in the collection was the distinctive orange shirt donned by Lionel Messi during a pivotal Barcelona versus Chelsea match in 2006. This particular jersey proved to be a major highlight, fetching an impressive $183,000 at the auction. The historic encounter saw Chelsea clinch a 1-0 victory over the Spanish giants at Stamford Bridge. Messi’s shirt has now earned a place among the highest-grossing football shirts ever sold at auction, solidifying its status as a valuable piece of sporting history.
Another significant piece from Terry’s personal archive was the shirt worn by Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. This iconic jersey, from a UEFA Champions League encounter in 2008 where Chelsea experienced a 2-1 defeat, was successfully auctioned for approximately $115,000, underscoring the enduring appeal of items associated with football’s greatest.
The auction also presented a notable artifact from English football heritage: a shirt belonging to legendary hero Geoff Hurst. This specific jersey was famously worn during the momentous 1966 FIFA World Cup Final, where England triumphed over West Germany with a 4-2 victory. This historical garment alone was auctioned for more than $100,000.
Further contributing to the auction’s success was a shirt worn by former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry during a 2003 UEFA Champions League match where Arsenal defeated Chelsea 2-1, which sold for $820. The collection also included 11 other highly sought-after jerseys from famous players, all acquired by Mr. Terry throughout his illustrious career. These additional items collectively brought in nearly $200,000.
The diverse array of football legends represented in Terry’s unique collection featured shirts from both former teammates and esteemed opponents. Notable names included Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Paolo Maldini, Cesc Fabregas, Paulo Ferreira, Ashley Cole, Gianfranco Zola, Samuel Eto’o, Leonardo Bonucci, Rio Ferdinand, Claude Makelele, and Marcel Desailly, highlighting the remarkable breadth and prestige of his football memorabilia.
