The shirt worn by Sir Bobby Charlton in England’s 1966 World Cup semi-final match has sold for tens of thousands of pounds at auction.
His signed shirt, consigned to auction more than a year ago, was part of the team’s finest hour. The football legend wore it during the semi-final match against Portugal on July 26, 1966 at London’s Empire Stadium, Wembley. England won 2-1 and Charlton scored both goals. The famous victory swept England through to the World Cup final against West Germany four days later.
The shirt, described as a hugely important piece of football memorabilia, sparked a bidding battle at Hansons Auctioneers’ Derbyshire saleroom. It sold to a private international online bidder for a total of £59,040, including buyer’s premium, in the firm’s November 14 Sporting Auction.
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “This important shirt was consigned to auction a year before news of Sir Bobby’s passing in October emerged. It had long been scheduled for Hansons’ November Sporting Auction. News of his loss came as huge shock to us all. We were deeply saddened. He was a football legend admired by millions.
“We’re pleased to have been able to find this important shirt a new home. We hope it enhances memories of the tremendous role he played in the 1966 World Cup as the nation celebrates his life.
“This was the shirt worn by an iconic player whose goals put England into the World Cup final and beat Eusebio’s Portugal. It’s a tribute, it’s a memory and Sir Bobby’s legacy will live on.
“Memories of England’s World Cup win in 1966 will never leave us. We are a proud footballing nation and Sir Bobby was part of the unforgettable team who achieved the ultimate glory. His 1966 World Cup shirt is a hugely important piece of football memorabilia.
“It came to auction thanks to a West Midlands man who was a Littlewoods Pools winner in the early 1990s. He decided to invest in football memorabilia and bought the shirt for £9,200, equivalent to around £20,000 today, at a London auction in 2000. It was offered at what now seems a modest estimate of £10,000-£15,000. But that was 23 years ago, demand for football memorabilia has soared, England’s 1966 World Cup glory has never been repeated and the respect felt for Sir Bobby is immense.”
David Wilson-Turner, Head of Sports Memorabilia at Hansons, said: “This shirt deserved to excel. It was worn by one of the greatest England players of all time and marks a magical moment in sporting history, the one and only time England have won the World Cup. England’s epic 4-2 victory over West Germany took place 57 years ago. Nevertheless, fans constantly reminisce about 1966, the year England was recognised as the best footballing nation in the world.
“The shirt was originally donated by Sir Bobby to a charity auction after the 1966 World Cup. He autographed it, personally dedicated it to the successful bidder and confirmed he wore the shirt in the game against Portugal.”
Sir Bobby Charlton’s death at the age of 86 was announced on October 21, 2023. The Northumberland-born midfielder and winger was renowned for his attacking instincts and ferocious long-range shots. He played most of his club football at Manchester United and earned 106 England caps, three as captain. Thanks to his success at club and international level, he is one of only nine players to have won the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA Champions League and the Ballon d’Or.
Auction: The signed shirt, with crew-neck collar, embroidered cloth badge and dedication, ‘To Bill, Best Wishes, Bobby Charlton’, sold in Hansons Auctioneers’ November 14 Sporting Auction.
