A remarkable piece of football history is set to cross the auction block as a match-worn Diego Maradona shirt from the personal collection of Belgian goalkeeping legend Jean-Marie Pfaff carries a staggering opening bid of €350,000. The item represents the crown jewel of Pfaff's extensive collection of football memorabilia.
Pfaff, who enjoyed a stellar career representing Belgium and clubs like Bayern Munich, recently offered fans a rare glimpse of his prized possessions. The football icon arranged a special exhibition of his personal souvenirs at the iconic King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, allowing supporters to view the historic items firsthand.
The centerpiece of this collection is undoubtedly the Maradona shirt, which carries immense historical and sentimental value given the Argentine legend's status as one of the greatest players to ever grace the sport. The €350,000 starting price reflects the extraordinary demand for authentic Maradona memorabilia among collectors worldwide.
The auction is scheduled to take place in Paris on May 23, where bidders will compete for ownership of this significant piece of football heritage. The French capital serves as a fitting backdrop for such a prestigious sale, given its status as a global hub for art and collectibles auctions.
Pfaff's decision to part with these items marks a significant moment for football memorabilia collectors. The Belgian shot-stopper, who represented his nation at the highest level, has accumulated these treasures throughout his distinguished career and interactions with fellow football greats.
The Maradona shirt's provenance through Pfaff's collection adds an additional layer of authenticity and intrigue for potential buyers. Items directly connected to legendary players like Maradona continue to command premium prices at auction, with collectors eager to own tangible connections to football's most celebrated figures.
Based on reporting from HLN:sport.