On July 22, 2023, in New York, it was announced that the Argentina national team jersey worn by the legendary soccer player Diego Maradona during the 1986 World Cup semifinal against Belgium will be auctioned at Sotheby’s on August 22. The estimated value of the jersey ranges between $800,000 and $1.2 million.
Maradona, who passed away in 2020, famously swapped the jersey for the gloves of Belgian goalkeeper Jean-Marie Pfaff. Pfaff has kept the jersey safe since that memorable match, and after reuniting with Maradona in 2016, the Argentine star wrote a heartfelt message on it: “For the friendly Jean-Marie, with all my affection,” Sotheby’s notes.
In a statement, Pfaff expressed, “I have cherished this jersey for almost four decades since Diego and I exchanged items after that unforgettable semifinal. Competing against one of football’s greatest players was an honor, but calling him a friend is even more special.”
Since 2023, Pfaff has displayed the signed and sweat-soaked jersey in his ‘Museo de El Sympatico’ in Beveren, Belgium. Before the auction, which opened for online bids on July 24, the jersey will be exhibited at Sotheby’s New York location from July 26 to 30.
Maradona’s jersey is one of the standout items in a sports auction featuring various cultural icons. Among them is a tennis racket used by Spanish player Rafael Nadal in the 2006 Roland Garros and Wimbledon tournaments, as well as a pair of sneakers he wore during the 2014 Australian Open.
Interestingly, the most expensive item in the auction is a ticket stub from NBA star Kobe Bryant at the Staples Center, with an estimated value of up to $1.5 million. Following that are the basketball shorts worn by Michael Jordan during his last game, valued at up to $250,000.
Image and News Source: https://www.infobae.com/espana/agencias/2024/07/22/subastan-la-camiseta-que-llevo-maradona-en-las-semifinales-del-mundial-de-mexico-de-1986/
