Messi Leads the Pack In Top 10 Most Expensive Game-Worn Jerseys
The world of sports memorabilia has seen an explosive rise in the value of game-worn jerseys, with recent auctions fetching staggering sums. Leading the charge is a shirt worn by Lionel Messi during a match for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) against Reims, which sold for an eye-popping €55,019.
This auction was conducted by the pioneering company Match Worn Shirts, which specializes in real-time auctions of jerseys worn by elite athletes.
Football jersey collecting has gained immense popularity in recent years, fueled by clubs’ efforts to create designs that resonate with everyday fashion.
This trend has not only enhanced the appeal of jerseys among fans but has also led to a surge in their value among collectors.
Match Worn Shirts, founded in 2017, has established itself as a leader in this niche market. The company has partnerships with some of the world’s most prestigious clubs, allowing fans to bid on jerseys as they are worn in live matches.
Here, we take a look at the ten most expensive game-worn jerseys sold in recent years:
1. Lionel Messi vs. Reims (€55,019)
Worn on January 29, 2023, shortly after winning the World Cup, this special edition shirt was part of PSG’s lunar new year celebration.
2. Lionel Messi vs. Bayern Munich (€50,517)
This jersey was worn during Messi’s last Champions League match on March 8, 2023.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Aston Villa (€45,012)
This shirt has a unique backstory; Ronaldo left Manchester United after this game and was unable to sign it before the auction.
4. Lionel Messi vs. Angers (€43,623)
Worn in a match on January 11, 2023, Messi scored a goal while donning this jersey shortly after his World Cup victory.
5. Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Tottenham (€43,206)
This shirt was worn on October 30, 2021, during one of Ronaldo’s first matches back at Manchester United, where he scored and assisted.
6. Lionel Messi vs. Strasbourg (€42,786)
This jersey was significant as it marked Messi’s final away game for PSG on May 27, 2023.
7. Cole Palmer vs. Brighton (€41,127)
Palmer made history wearing this kit on September 28, 2024, becoming the first player to score four goals in a single Premier League half.
8. Lionel Messi vs. Montpellier (€37,405)
Messi wore this jersey on February 1, 2023, contributing to a 3-1 victory for PSG and scoring a crucial goal.
9. Lionel Messi vs. Olympique Marseille (€35,869)
This shirt holds a special place in Messi’s career as it was worn when he scored his 700th club goal on February 26, 2023.
10. Kylian Mbappé vs. Newcastle (€35,748)
Worn on October 4, 2023, during a challenging match where PSG faced a hefty 4-1 defeat.
