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The shirt worn by Sir Bobby Charlton in England’s 1966 World Cup semi-final match – the game that paved the way to glory – is set for auction.
A tidal-wave of tributes and fond memories were sparked by the announcement of Sir Bobby’s death on October 21, 2023 at the age of 86. He will be forever remembered for the crucial role he played in England’s World Cup triumph in 1966.
His signed shirt, consigned to auction a year ago, was part of the team’s finest hour 57 years ago. It was worn in 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.
Some 94,493 spectators watched the England v Portugal drama unfold. Sir Bobby opened the scoring with a crisp side-footed finish. His second was a sweetly struck shot following a run from Geoff Hurst. Eusebio bagged a goal for Portugal from the penalty spot but it was too little, too late. Sir Bobby’s goals gained England their World Cup Final place and paved the way to glory.
The shirt, described as a hugely important piece of football memorabilia, will be offered by Hansons Auctioneers on November 14 with a guide price of £50,000-£80,000.
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “This important shirt was consigned to auction a year before news of Sir Bobby’s passing 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.
“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. I hope it’s bought by the National Football Museum and put on permanent display or, perhaps, Manchester United. It’s an ever-present reminder of what Sir Bobby did for his country.
“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. We could see bids reaching £100,000.
“It comes to us 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 respect felt for Sir Bobby is immense.”
David Wilson-Turner, Head of Sports Memorabilia at Hansons, said: “England has some of the most passionate football fans in the world and I’m sure many would love to own Sir Bobby’s shirt. It deserves to excel because not only was it worn by one of the greatest England players of all time it 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.
“In 2022, Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God shirt’, worn to score a goal for Argentina against England at the 1986 World Cup, sold for a record £7.1m. That was the highest price ever paid for a piece of sports memorabilia. In honour of Sir Bobby’s passing it would be wonderful to see his Number 9 shirt exceed all expectations. Hopefully we can give this item the justice it deserves.”
Northumberland-born Sir Bobby Charlton, 86, was a midfielder and winger 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.
