Sport - 2nd page
not including Baseball and Basketball.
Except otherwise stated, all results include the premium.
See also : Sport Ice hockey Origins of sports Olympic Games Sport equipment Textiles Sport cards Sport cards 1942-92 Modern sport cards Sport document Sport rewards Central and South Americas Autograph
Chronology : 2022
Except otherwise stated, all results include the premium.
See also : Sport Ice hockey Origins of sports Olympic Games Sport equipment Textiles Sport cards Sport cards 1942-92 Modern sport cards Sport document Sport rewards Central and South Americas Autograph
Chronology : 2022
1892 Coubertin's Address for the Olympic Games
2019 SOLD for $ 8.8M by Sotheby's
In 1888 the 25-year-old publicist Pierre de Coubertin decides to concentrate all his efforts on the integration of sport into educational systems. Traumatized by the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, he sees sport as a means to ensure peace in the world. The moment is good : the extension of the railroad has favored inter-city sports confrontations in several countries, and the telegraph facilitates the preparations.
With a remarkable open-mindedness, Coubertin compares the progress of sport in several countries. In England, the country of the fair play, football is a team sport practiced in colleges, including Rugby, and the establishment of official rules allows competitions. In Sweden the mental benefit of gymnastics is officially recognized. In the United States, sport opens the way to the practice of collective recreation. He does not like the use of sport for military training in Germany but recognizes its heroic character.
The time is also favorable for meetings of thematic clubs in England and France. They will support the development of the Coubertin project. In 1891 he promulgates a motto : citius, fortius, altius (later modified in its sequence). Coubertin is setting the example : on March 20, 1892 he is the referee in the final of the first French rugby championship.
Taking as a pretext the fifth anniversary of a running club, a conference is organized at the Sorbonne on November 25, 1892, with three speakers. Bourdon and Jusserand tell the history of the sport. Coubertin, entrusted for dealing with modern sport, concludes his speech by proposing the reestablishment of the Olympic Games.
In this seminal address, Coubertin's vision is universal. The most developed nations will help the others. It is a matter of practicing sports in common between athletes of all nations with a search for the individual excellence, but not yet of international competition or rewards.
The autograph draft of this Coubertin thesis, largely modified by the author in the preparation phase, was sold for $ 8.8M from a lower estimate of $ 700K by Sotheby's on December 18, 2019, lot 173.
Very remarkably, despite necessarily different visions of his international interlocutors, it is Coubertin himself who will concretize his concept. A January 1894 autograph document defining the stadium and sports passed at Goldin Auctions on October 29, 2016. In June 1894, Pierre de Coubertin creates the International Olympic Committee.
With a remarkable open-mindedness, Coubertin compares the progress of sport in several countries. In England, the country of the fair play, football is a team sport practiced in colleges, including Rugby, and the establishment of official rules allows competitions. In Sweden the mental benefit of gymnastics is officially recognized. In the United States, sport opens the way to the practice of collective recreation. He does not like the use of sport for military training in Germany but recognizes its heroic character.
The time is also favorable for meetings of thematic clubs in England and France. They will support the development of the Coubertin project. In 1891 he promulgates a motto : citius, fortius, altius (later modified in its sequence). Coubertin is setting the example : on March 20, 1892 he is the referee in the final of the first French rugby championship.
Taking as a pretext the fifth anniversary of a running club, a conference is organized at the Sorbonne on November 25, 1892, with three speakers. Bourdon and Jusserand tell the history of the sport. Coubertin, entrusted for dealing with modern sport, concludes his speech by proposing the reestablishment of the Olympic Games.
In this seminal address, Coubertin's vision is universal. The most developed nations will help the others. It is a matter of practicing sports in common between athletes of all nations with a search for the individual excellence, but not yet of international competition or rewards.
The autograph draft of this Coubertin thesis, largely modified by the author in the preparation phase, was sold for $ 8.8M from a lower estimate of $ 700K by Sotheby's on December 18, 2019, lot 173.
Very remarkably, despite necessarily different visions of his international interlocutors, it is Coubertin himself who will concretize his concept. A January 1894 autograph document defining the stadium and sports passed at Goldin Auctions on October 29, 2016. In June 1894, Pierre de Coubertin creates the International Olympic Committee.
#AuctionUpdate Moments ago in our #NYC salesroom, the original Olympic Games manifesto soared to $8.8 million, more than 8.5x its $1 million high estimate following a 12-minute bidding battle. The manifesto outlines Pierre de Coubertin's vision for reviving the ancient games. pic.twitter.com/xoR4uAzs2t
— Sotheby's (@Sothebys) December 18, 2019
1976 Muhammad Ali WBC Championship Belt
2022 SOLD for $ 6.2M by Heritage
In 1964 Cassius Clay's membership to the Nation of Islam also known as the Black Muslims had been publicized by Malcolm X who had him renamed Muhammad Ali altogether meaning The Greatest and worthy of praise. Moving afterward from a then dissident Malcolm X to Elijah Muhammad, he was feeling of himself as a champion against the white establishment and the Vietnam draft.
On March 14, 1967, it was time to order him to appear for service. The document is a printed card typed to identify his name, Cassius Marsellus Clay, Jr, and his alias, Muhammad Ali. It is signed by hand by one J. Allen Sherman as a member of the Local Board at Louisville KY. Marsellus is a mis-spelling.
Muhammad Ali's refusal to join the armed force was a turning point in his career. He was revoked from his world boxing titles but suddenly appeared as a symbol of charisma and courage in the anti-Vietnam war movement. His reply to the officials had been : "I refuse to be inducted into the armed forces of the United States because I claim to be exempt as a minister of the religion of Islam". The conviction was cancelled in 1971.
He never give up that commitment of a conscientious objector and kept in his wallet that unfolded card 89 x 58 mm which he never signed. The document passed at Christie's on October 28, 2025, lot 1.
On March 14, 1967, it was time to order him to appear for service. The document is a printed card typed to identify his name, Cassius Marsellus Clay, Jr, and his alias, Muhammad Ali. It is signed by hand by one J. Allen Sherman as a member of the Local Board at Louisville KY. Marsellus is a mis-spelling.
Muhammad Ali's refusal to join the armed force was a turning point in his career. He was revoked from his world boxing titles but suddenly appeared as a symbol of charisma and courage in the anti-Vietnam war movement. His reply to the officials had been : "I refuse to be inducted into the armed forces of the United States because I claim to be exempt as a minister of the religion of Islam". The conviction was cancelled in 1971.
He never give up that commitment of a conscientious objector and kept in his wallet that unfolded card 89 x 58 mm which he never signed. The document passed at Christie's on October 28, 2025, lot 1.
In 1971 Muhammad Ali prepares his grand come back for the heavyweight WBC and WBA titles of which he had been deposed in 1967 after his refusal to join the armed forces during the Vietnam war. He fights the defending champion Joe Frazier on March 8 in New York City.
That official return of Muhammad Ali passionated his supporters and his opponents. He had proclaimed that he was the greatest, and it was true. In 1964, he had humbled Liston who did not represent his ideal of the black man. With Frazier, he managed a similar escalation of provocation.
Joe Frazier is also one of the top champions of all time. On 8 March 1971, his endurance through the fifteen rounds proved far superior to Ali's and his victory was unquestionable. The fight was very hard. Ali's wound at the cheek was severe and Frazier was so exhausted that he had to be hospitalized.
The color television is overwhelming in 1971. Ali wants to stay The Greatest. Four days before the event, he reveals to the New York Times that his shorts and robe will be red and white, like a king. Inseparable from the images of this match which is aptly remembered as the Fight of the Century, these garments become a symbol of the first professional defeat of Muhammad Ali. The champion will never wear red again.
After being allowed to resume his gloves, Muhammad Ali must face three great champions. Joe Frazier has reunified the world heavyweight title in 1970 and lost it in January 1973 to George Foreman. Ali lost to Frazier in 1971 and early in 1973 successively against Foreman and Ken Norton. A rematch was won by Ali against Norton in September 1973 and against Frazier in January 1974.
Muhammad Ali becomes credible for the highest level but Foreman, physically formidable, seems unbeatable. At that point appears Don King, a boxing promoter who undertakes to organize the heavyweight championship between George Foreman, the defending champion, and Muhammad Ali, the challenger.
There is no limit to the ambitious Don King. Each of the fighters require $ 5M: King find that money by appealing the Président and future Maréchal Mobutu with the idea of a promotional event that will generate an international attention to Zaire. The match takes place in Kinshasa on October 30, 1974 and remains in the history of boxing as the Rumble in the Jungle.
Foreman is more muscular but Ali's strategy is clever. He spread before the fight some false information about the boxing style he was choosing to use. Foreman hits hard and fast but his weak point is endurance. Once on the ring Ali exhausts Foreman by an unexpected mobility. He becomes world heavyweight champion for WBC and WBA by a knockout in the 8th round.
The third bout between Ali and Frazier was sponsored for a promotion of the Philippines by the presidential couple Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos. The WBA and WBC titles, both held by Ali, were on the line.
The preparation was highly publicized, including the theater located in Quezon City being temporarily renamed the Philippine Coliseum. Ali did not stop to emit psychological attacks against Frazier, saying that the fight would be "a killa and a thrilla and a chilla, when I get that gorilla in Manila."
The event, on October 1, 1975, will forever be known as the Thrilla in Manila. In terms of sport, it was one of the most dramatic fights in boxing history. After the fourteenth round, Frazier's coach, seeing his condition becoming critical, forced him to leave despite a desperate "I want him, boss". Ali, winner, however had to be hospitalized because of his fatigue. He finally went to admit that his opponent was also a great champion. Frazier's eyesight was compromise and Ali soon developed Parkinson's.
Ali competed in satin Everlast shorts, pure white excepted for the black belt line and thin black racing stripes down each leg. White is a great choice for a champion committed to win. They remained immaculate of blood. Marked as Made expressly for Muhammad Ali and signed by him, they were sold for $ 1.2M by Sotheby's on February 7, 2025, lot 3.
The WBC first awarded belts in 1976. Two WBC belts of Muhammad Ali are known. He wore one of them in that year the day when he defended his WBA and WBC titles against Richard Dunn. He lost both titles to Leon Spinks in 1978.
A WBC heavyweight championship belt of Muhammad Ali was sold by Heritage for $ 360K on September 10, 2016, lot 50040, and for $ 6.2M on July 23, 2022, lot 54337.
Cassius Clay's 1960 Olympic gold medal was scrapped by him after a racial incident. The WBA belt is not located.
That official return of Muhammad Ali passionated his supporters and his opponents. He had proclaimed that he was the greatest, and it was true. In 1964, he had humbled Liston who did not represent his ideal of the black man. With Frazier, he managed a similar escalation of provocation.
Joe Frazier is also one of the top champions of all time. On 8 March 1971, his endurance through the fifteen rounds proved far superior to Ali's and his victory was unquestionable. The fight was very hard. Ali's wound at the cheek was severe and Frazier was so exhausted that he had to be hospitalized.
The color television is overwhelming in 1971. Ali wants to stay The Greatest. Four days before the event, he reveals to the New York Times that his shorts and robe will be red and white, like a king. Inseparable from the images of this match which is aptly remembered as the Fight of the Century, these garments become a symbol of the first professional defeat of Muhammad Ali. The champion will never wear red again.
After being allowed to resume his gloves, Muhammad Ali must face three great champions. Joe Frazier has reunified the world heavyweight title in 1970 and lost it in January 1973 to George Foreman. Ali lost to Frazier in 1971 and early in 1973 successively against Foreman and Ken Norton. A rematch was won by Ali against Norton in September 1973 and against Frazier in January 1974.
Muhammad Ali becomes credible for the highest level but Foreman, physically formidable, seems unbeatable. At that point appears Don King, a boxing promoter who undertakes to organize the heavyweight championship between George Foreman, the defending champion, and Muhammad Ali, the challenger.
There is no limit to the ambitious Don King. Each of the fighters require $ 5M: King find that money by appealing the Président and future Maréchal Mobutu with the idea of a promotional event that will generate an international attention to Zaire. The match takes place in Kinshasa on October 30, 1974 and remains in the history of boxing as the Rumble in the Jungle.
Foreman is more muscular but Ali's strategy is clever. He spread before the fight some false information about the boxing style he was choosing to use. Foreman hits hard and fast but his weak point is endurance. Once on the ring Ali exhausts Foreman by an unexpected mobility. He becomes world heavyweight champion for WBC and WBA by a knockout in the 8th round.
The third bout between Ali and Frazier was sponsored for a promotion of the Philippines by the presidential couple Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos. The WBA and WBC titles, both held by Ali, were on the line.
The preparation was highly publicized, including the theater located in Quezon City being temporarily renamed the Philippine Coliseum. Ali did not stop to emit psychological attacks against Frazier, saying that the fight would be "a killa and a thrilla and a chilla, when I get that gorilla in Manila."
The event, on October 1, 1975, will forever be known as the Thrilla in Manila. In terms of sport, it was one of the most dramatic fights in boxing history. After the fourteenth round, Frazier's coach, seeing his condition becoming critical, forced him to leave despite a desperate "I want him, boss". Ali, winner, however had to be hospitalized because of his fatigue. He finally went to admit that his opponent was also a great champion. Frazier's eyesight was compromise and Ali soon developed Parkinson's.
Ali competed in satin Everlast shorts, pure white excepted for the black belt line and thin black racing stripes down each leg. White is a great choice for a champion committed to win. They remained immaculate of blood. Marked as Made expressly for Muhammad Ali and signed by him, they were sold for $ 1.2M by Sotheby's on February 7, 2025, lot 3.
The WBC first awarded belts in 1976. Two WBC belts of Muhammad Ali are known. He wore one of them in that year the day when he defended his WBA and WBC titles against Richard Dunn. He lost both titles to Leon Spinks in 1978.
A WBC heavyweight championship belt of Muhammad Ali was sold by Heritage for $ 360K on September 10, 2016, lot 50040, and for $ 6.2M on July 23, 2022, lot 54337.
Cassius Clay's 1960 Olympic gold medal was scrapped by him after a racial incident. The WBA belt is not located.
The Thrilla in Manila was the third and final professional boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, billed as one of the greatest heavyweight championship bouts in history. Fought on October 1, 1975, at the Araneta Coliseum (now Smart Araneta Coliseum) in Quezon City (then part of Rizal province, now Metro Manila), Philippines, it culminated their intense trilogy rivalry, with Ali emerging victorious in a brutal war that many still call the most punishing and epic fight ever.
Promoted by Don King and hosted under Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos (who provided significant funding), the fight drew massive global attention via closed-circuit TV. Ali coined the name himself in his signature rhyming style: "It'll be a killa and a thrilla and a chilla, when I get that gorilla in Manila" (a derogatory reference to Frazier that fueled pre-fight animosity).
Fight Details
Classic photos capture the intensity: Ali landing powerful shots on Frazier, the two warriors trading blows in the ring, and the raw physicality of their exchanges amid the roaring crowd.
Legacy
The Thrilla in Manila is widely regarded as boxing's greatest fight (or at least its most brutal), even 50 years later (celebrated in 2025 retrospectives). It cemented Ali's status as "The Greatest" through sheer will and resilience, while highlighting Frazier's unbreakable heart—despite the loss, he proved his elite status.
Promoted by Don King and hosted under Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos (who provided significant funding), the fight drew massive global attention via closed-circuit TV. Ali coined the name himself in his signature rhyming style: "It'll be a killa and a thrilla and a chilla, when I get that gorilla in Manila" (a derogatory reference to Frazier that fueled pre-fight animosity).
Fight Details
- Date and Venue: October 1, 1975; started at 10:45 a.m. local time (for international broadcast convenience) in extreme heat and humidity (around 100°F/38°C with high humidity inside the arena).
- Titles at Stake: WBA, WBC, and The Ring undisputed heavyweight championship (held by Ali).
- Records Entering: Ali (48–2, 34 KOs, age 33); Frazier (32–2, 27 KOs, age 31).
- Purses: Ali received about $9 million; Frazier $5 million (huge sums for the era).
- Styles: Ali (taller, 6'3", orthodox, using reach, footwork, and rope-a-dope tactics); Frazier (shorter, 5'11½", orthodox, relentless pressure fighter with devastating left hooks).
- Early rounds (1–5): Ali dominated with sharp jabs and movement, outboxing Frazier and landing clean shots.
- Middle rounds (6–10): Frazier surged, closing distance, trapping Ali on the ropes, and pounding him with body shots and hooks. Ali absorbed massive punishment but stayed upright.
- Late rounds (11–14): Both men were exhausted in the sweltering conditions. Ali rallied with flurries; Frazier's eyes swelled shut. In round 14, Ali unleashed a barrage, rocking Frazier repeatedly.
- End: After round 14, Frazier's trainer Eddie Futch stopped the fight before round 15, despite Frazier's protests ("I want him, boss"). Result: Ali won by corner retirement (RTD) in round 14 (technical knockout). Ali collapsed in exhaustion after the fight; both later said it felt like "the closest thing to dying."
Classic photos capture the intensity: Ali landing powerful shots on Frazier, the two warriors trading blows in the ring, and the raw physicality of their exchanges amid the roaring crowd.
Legacy
The Thrilla in Manila is widely regarded as boxing's greatest fight (or at least its most brutal), even 50 years later (celebrated in 2025 retrospectives). It cemented Ali's status as "The Greatest" through sheer will and resilience, while highlighting Frazier's unbreakable heart—despite the loss, he proved his elite status.
- Both fighters suffered long-term damage: Ali's later Parkinson's disease and Frazier's health issues were partly linked to the cumulative punishment (including their trilogy).
- The rivalry (Ali won 2–1 overall: Frazier took the 1971 "Fight of the Century"; Ali the 1974 rematch and Manila) symbolized personal enmity turned mutual respect.
- It boosted boxing's global popularity, especially in Asia, and remains a cultural touchstone (featured in documentaries like the 2008 HBO film Thrilla in Manila, books, and endless rankings of all-time bouts).
- As of 2026, it's still hailed in retrospectives as an unmatched display of courage, skill, and endurance—two legends leaving everything in the ring.
1979 O-Pee-Chee Case
2024 SOLD for $ 3.7M by Heritage (unpaid)
2024 SOLD for $ 2.5M by Heritage
O-Pee-Chee was a candy maker based in London, Ontario. The company entered the baseball and ice hockey trading cards market in 1934. In 1958 an agreement is concluded with the US company Topps for coordinated operations. Topps cards have an English back and O-Pee-Chee cards are bilingual.
Wayne Gretzky is hockey's super-champion, and his rookie cards published in 1979 by both companies are avidly sought after by collectors. The O-Pee-Chee is the rarest.
The text on the back of the card announces the future great career of the champion : he is "the best prospect to turn professional since Guy Lafleur".
Gretzky had entered the NHL before the legal age of that league for a conjunctural cause. He had played the 1978-1979 season as a professional at 17 with the WHA which was absorbed at the end of that season by the NHL. The WHA had no age limit.
The population of Wayne Gretzky's rookie cards in PSA supreme grade Gem Mint 10 is two units for the O-Pee-Chee and two for the Topps. Heritage listed one example of each on December 10, 2020. The O-Pee-Chee was sold for $ 1.3M, lot 58423. The Topps was sold for $ 720K, lot 58422.
On May 27, 2021, Heritage reported that they brokered the other O-Pee-Chee gem mint card for $ 3.75M. The other Topps was sold for $ 1.2M by Heritage on August 27, 2022, lot 53045.
An O-Pee-Chee ice hockey sealed box just surfaced in Saskatchewan in a nearly immaculate condition. It is marked 1980 on a wall, which would anticipate a price around $ 50K.
It reserved a surprise to the specialists at BBCE in Indiana. It did not contain the 1980-1981 edition as supposed but the 1979-1980 that includes Wayne Gretzky's rookie card, its date referring to the year of the finals and not to the year of the issue.
The case contains 16 boxes of 48 packs each with 14 cards and one sticker per pack, for a total of 10,752 cards and 768 stickers. The whole series has 396 cards, so that about 27 rookie Gretzky cards in pristine condition are expected.
The case was sold for $ 3.7M by Heritage on February 24, 2024, lot 80052. Please watch the video shared by the auction house. It was consigned by the original owner who had intended to open it and build sets of cards to sell but simply never followed. Unpaid at that sale, it was sold by the same auction house for $ 2.5M on December 5, 2024, lot 81964.
Wayne Gretzky is hockey's super-champion, and his rookie cards published in 1979 by both companies are avidly sought after by collectors. The O-Pee-Chee is the rarest.
The text on the back of the card announces the future great career of the champion : he is "the best prospect to turn professional since Guy Lafleur".
Gretzky had entered the NHL before the legal age of that league for a conjunctural cause. He had played the 1978-1979 season as a professional at 17 with the WHA which was absorbed at the end of that season by the NHL. The WHA had no age limit.
The population of Wayne Gretzky's rookie cards in PSA supreme grade Gem Mint 10 is two units for the O-Pee-Chee and two for the Topps. Heritage listed one example of each on December 10, 2020. The O-Pee-Chee was sold for $ 1.3M, lot 58423. The Topps was sold for $ 720K, lot 58422.
On May 27, 2021, Heritage reported that they brokered the other O-Pee-Chee gem mint card for $ 3.75M. The other Topps was sold for $ 1.2M by Heritage on August 27, 2022, lot 53045.
An O-Pee-Chee ice hockey sealed box just surfaced in Saskatchewan in a nearly immaculate condition. It is marked 1980 on a wall, which would anticipate a price around $ 50K.
It reserved a surprise to the specialists at BBCE in Indiana. It did not contain the 1980-1981 edition as supposed but the 1979-1980 that includes Wayne Gretzky's rookie card, its date referring to the year of the finals and not to the year of the issue.
The case contains 16 boxes of 48 packs each with 14 cards and one sticker per pack, for a total of 10,752 cards and 768 stickers. The whole series has 396 cards, so that about 27 rookie Gretzky cards in pristine condition are expected.
The case was sold for $ 3.7M by Heritage on February 24, 2024, lot 80052. Please watch the video shared by the auction house. It was consigned by the original owner who had intended to open it and build sets of cards to sell but simply never followed. Unpaid at that sale, it was sold by the same auction house for $ 2.5M on December 5, 2024, lot 81964.
1986 Diego Maradona Shirt of The Hand of God
2022 SOLD for £ 7.1M by Sotheby's
The "Hand of God" and the "Goal of the Century" are two legendary goals scored by Diego Maradona in the same match during the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and England on June 22, 1986, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Argentina won 2–1, with both goals by Maradona, propelling them toward their second World Cup title (defeating West Germany in the final).
This game carried massive extra-sporting weight due to the Falklands War (1982), where Argentina and the UK clashed over the islands (known as Malvinas in Argentina). Maradona later described the match as carrying "a little bit of revenge" for that conflict.
The Hand of God (51st minute)
In the 51st minute, Maradona scored the opening goal illegally by punching the ball into the net with his left hand. The sequence:
This controversial goal gave Argentina a 1–0 lead and became one of football's most debated moments: clever opportunism to some (especially in Argentina), blatant cheating to others (particularly in England).
These images capture the infamous moment: Maradona leaping with his fist clenched to punch the ball past Shilton, who reaches futilely, amid the packed Estadio Azteca crowd.
The Goal of the Century (55th minute)
Just four minutes later, Maradona redeemed the controversy with what FIFA voted the "Goal of the Century" in a 2002 poll. Receiving the ball near the halfway line (after a pass from teammate Héctor Enrique), he embarked on a stunning 60-yard (55 m) solo run lasting 10 seconds and 11 touches:
These shots illustrate the dribble: Maradona weaving through English defenders, leaving them sprawling, before rounding Shilton and scoring.
Legacy and Impact
These two goals, back-to-back, encapsulate Maradona's genius and complexity: divine mischief in one, pure brilliance in the other. They defined his 1986 World Cup performance (he won the Golden Ball as tournament MVP) and cemented his status as one of football's all-time greats.
This game carried massive extra-sporting weight due to the Falklands War (1982), where Argentina and the UK clashed over the islands (known as Malvinas in Argentina). Maradona later described the match as carrying "a little bit of revenge" for that conflict.
The Hand of God (51st minute)
In the 51st minute, Maradona scored the opening goal illegally by punching the ball into the net with his left hand. The sequence:
- Maradona received a pass, dribbled past defenders, and attempted a cross toward teammate Jorge Valdano.
- The ball deflected back toward him.
- At 5'5" (165 cm), he jumped with English goalkeeper Peter Shilton (6'1"/185 cm) and used his fist to steer the ball past Shilton into the net.
This controversial goal gave Argentina a 1–0 lead and became one of football's most debated moments: clever opportunism to some (especially in Argentina), blatant cheating to others (particularly in England).
These images capture the infamous moment: Maradona leaping with his fist clenched to punch the ball past Shilton, who reaches futilely, amid the packed Estadio Azteca crowd.
The Goal of the Century (55th minute)
Just four minutes later, Maradona redeemed the controversy with what FIFA voted the "Goal of the Century" in a 2002 poll. Receiving the ball near the halfway line (after a pass from teammate Héctor Enrique), he embarked on a stunning 60-yard (55 m) solo run lasting 10 seconds and 11 touches:
- Dribbled past Peter Beardsley.
- Evaded Peter Reid.
- Beat Terry Butcher (twice, the second time after Butcher fouled him but he stayed on his feet).
- Skirted Terry Fenwick.
- Rounded Shilton with a deft touch.
- Slotted the ball into the empty net.
These shots illustrate the dribble: Maradona weaving through English defenders, leaving them sprawling, before rounding Shilton and scoring.
Legacy and Impact
These two goals, back-to-back, encapsulate Maradona's genius and complexity: divine mischief in one, pure brilliance in the other. They defined his 1986 World Cup performance (he won the Golden Ball as tournament MVP) and cemented his status as one of football's all-time greats.
- In Argentina, the Hand of God is folklore — a symbol of cunning triumph over a rival.
- Globally, the pair highlight football's duality: rule-bending cunning vs. sublime skill.
- The match boosted Maradona's mythic status; he carried Argentina to glory almost single-handedly.
- Even decades later (Maradona passed in 2020), they remain football's most iconic moments, referenced in documentaries, polls, and debates about cheating vs. genius.
On June 22, 1986, a quarterfinal of the FIFA World Cup was played in Mexico City between Argentina and England. The Argentinians led by their 25 year old captain Diego Maradona minded it like a revenge after the 1982 Falklands War.
Maradona scored within four minutes at the beginning of the second half two goals that were to become legendary for opposite reasons.
He opened the score with a goal helped by his hand. At that time when no video support was available for the referees, the point was declared as valid in an atmosphere of triumph supported by Maradona's spectacular celebration. Fully aware of his mischief, Maradona commented in the post game press conference that he made the goal “un poco con la cabeza de Maradona y otro poco con la mano de Dios".
The decisive goal of the match was scored by Maradona four minutes after the Hand of God. This one is a great demonstration of Maradona's superior dribbling skills as he had been able to pass four defenders in a run of half the length of the pitch. It will referred in 2002 as The Goal of the Century and described as the greatest individual goal of all time.
A later English goal put the final score to 2-1. Argentina won that World Cup.
Steve Hodge had been involved as an English defender in both Maradona's winning actions. He managed to swap his shirt for Maradona's in the changing room. Please watch the interview shared by Goal featuring Steve Hodge as 'the Man with Maradona's shirt of God'.
Maradona's shirt of the Hand of God and the Goal of the Century was loaned from 2002 by Hodge to the National Football Museum in Manchester. It was then consigned by him to Sotheby's who commissioned conclusively to Resolution Photomatching the photo-matching with the quarterfinal. It was sold for £ 7.1M from a lower estimate of £ 4M on May 4, 2022, lot 1.
Maradona scored within four minutes at the beginning of the second half two goals that were to become legendary for opposite reasons.
He opened the score with a goal helped by his hand. At that time when no video support was available for the referees, the point was declared as valid in an atmosphere of triumph supported by Maradona's spectacular celebration. Fully aware of his mischief, Maradona commented in the post game press conference that he made the goal “un poco con la cabeza de Maradona y otro poco con la mano de Dios".
The decisive goal of the match was scored by Maradona four minutes after the Hand of God. This one is a great demonstration of Maradona's superior dribbling skills as he had been able to pass four defenders in a run of half the length of the pitch. It will referred in 2002 as The Goal of the Century and described as the greatest individual goal of all time.
A later English goal put the final score to 2-1. Argentina won that World Cup.
Steve Hodge had been involved as an English defender in both Maradona's winning actions. He managed to swap his shirt for Maradona's in the changing room. Please watch the interview shared by Goal featuring Steve Hodge as 'the Man with Maradona's shirt of God'.
Maradona's shirt of the Hand of God and the Goal of the Century was loaned from 2002 by Hodge to the National Football Museum in Manchester. It was then consigned by him to Sotheby's who commissioned conclusively to Resolution Photomatching the photo-matching with the quarterfinal. It was sold for £ 7.1M from a lower estimate of £ 4M on May 4, 2022, lot 1.
2000 BRADY Rookie Ticket Card
Intro
The 2000 NFL Draft selects 254 players in 7 rounds. Tom Brady is the 199th, in the 6th round. In his college career with the Michigan Wolverines, he had some issues to become a titular. His specialty was scoring points late in the game, but his athleticism definitely does not thrill the recruiters. He joins the New England Patriots.
The quarterback won his first Super Bowl in 2002. With his seventh Super Bowl won on February 7, 2021 for the year 2020 at the age of 43, he is the most successful player in the history of American football.
Since 1998 the Playoff Contenders Championship Rookie Ticket series has been the high end for American football autographed cards. It is published by Playoff Corporation which bought out Donruss but was unable to acquire a franchise in more lucrative sports.
In 2000 the Rookie Ticket edition was made in 1,100 copies while the Championship Ticket was made in 100 serialized copies.
The 2000 serialized card of Tom Brady is numbered between 1 and 100. As of August 2022, about 81 units have been graded by BGS including seven Mint 9 and none higher. On December 7, 2020, the 025/100 graded 8.5 by BGS was sold for $ 240K by Sotheby's and Goldin, lot 30. Millionaire 2021 auction results apply to cards graded 8 or better by BGS with an autograph graded 9 or 10.
The 2021 craze for the 2000 Playoff Contenders Championship Ticket Autograph #144 Tom Brady (/100) was part of a broader explosion in the sports card market during the pandemic era (roughly 2020–2022), fueled by high-profile collectors, investor hype, celebrity involvement (e.g., influencers and athletes), and Brady's ongoing success (including his Super Bowl wins with the Buccaneers in 2021). This card, as one of Brady's premier rookie autographs in a Patriots uniform and extremely limited to just 100 serialized copies, became a focal point.
Multiple high-grade examples (BGS 8 or better, often with Auto 9–10) shattered records in quick succession:
041's sub-grades are Centering a perfect 10, Edges 9, Corners 9 and Surface 9. As of 2023 none is graded higher in the other examples submitted to Beckett. It was sold for $ 760K by Goldin on March 7, 2026, lot 2.
As of early 2026 (current date February 18, 2026), the market has stabilized at significantly lower levels than the 2021 frenzy, with fewer blockbuster sales and more realistic valuations reflecting supply (81+ graded by BGS as of 2022, likely similar or slightly higher now), condition rarity, and Brady's retirement status.
Current fair market price estimates for the Championship Ticket Autograph (/100):
The quarterback won his first Super Bowl in 2002. With his seventh Super Bowl won on February 7, 2021 for the year 2020 at the age of 43, he is the most successful player in the history of American football.
Since 1998 the Playoff Contenders Championship Rookie Ticket series has been the high end for American football autographed cards. It is published by Playoff Corporation which bought out Donruss but was unable to acquire a franchise in more lucrative sports.
In 2000 the Rookie Ticket edition was made in 1,100 copies while the Championship Ticket was made in 100 serialized copies.
The 2000 serialized card of Tom Brady is numbered between 1 and 100. As of August 2022, about 81 units have been graded by BGS including seven Mint 9 and none higher. On December 7, 2020, the 025/100 graded 8.5 by BGS was sold for $ 240K by Sotheby's and Goldin, lot 30. Millionaire 2021 auction results apply to cards graded 8 or better by BGS with an autograph graded 9 or 10.
The 2021 craze for the 2000 Playoff Contenders Championship Ticket Autograph #144 Tom Brady (/100) was part of a broader explosion in the sports card market during the pandemic era (roughly 2020–2022), fueled by high-profile collectors, investor hype, celebrity involvement (e.g., influencers and athletes), and Brady's ongoing success (including his Super Bowl wins with the Buccaneers in 2021). This card, as one of Brady's premier rookie autographs in a Patriots uniform and extremely limited to just 100 serialized copies, became a focal point.
Multiple high-grade examples (BGS 8 or better, often with Auto 9–10) shattered records in quick succession:
- Early 2021 saw the first private sale brokered by PWCC reach the million-dollar range (a BGS NM-MT 8).
- Public auctions followed with escalating prices: e.g., a BGS 8.5 sold for around $2.25 million (Lelands, April 2021), then a higher-graded Mint 9 example hit $3.107 million (Lelands, June 2021), setting football card records at the time.
- Other sales in the $1–2+ million range occurred from April to October 2021, driven by FOMO (fear of missing out), speculation that Brady's retirement (initially announced and then retracted) would boost legacy value, and the card's status as a "holy grail" rookie auto.
041's sub-grades are Centering a perfect 10, Edges 9, Corners 9 and Surface 9. As of 2023 none is graded higher in the other examples submitted to Beckett. It was sold for $ 760K by Goldin on March 7, 2026, lot 2.
As of early 2026 (current date February 18, 2026), the market has stabilized at significantly lower levels than the 2021 frenzy, with fewer blockbuster sales and more realistic valuations reflecting supply (81+ graded by BGS as of 2022, likely similar or slightly higher now), condition rarity, and Brady's retirement status.
Current fair market price estimates for the Championship Ticket Autograph (/100):
- High-grade examples (BGS/PSA 8–9, Auto 9–10): In the $300,000–$700,000 range for top-tier copies, with recent auction results showing $396,000 (PSA 8 in 2023), $198,000 (BGS 7.5/Auto 10 in early 2025), and occasional six-figure sales like $163,000–$570,000 depending on exact grade/sub-grades and numbering. The absolute peak copies (Mint 9 or equivalent with perfect auto) might push toward $500,000–$800,000 in a strong auction, but nothing near the $2–3 million highs of 2021.
- Mid-grade (BGS 7–8 or equivalent): $150,000–$400,000.
- Lower grades: $50,000–$150,000+.
- Overall, fair value has settled around $200,000–$600,000 for most graded examples that come to market, a notable correction from the 2021 peaks but still a premium card due to its scarcity and historical significance.
- This is far more common and lacks the on-card auto premium.
- Current fair prices: Graded high-end examples (PSA/BGS 8–10) typically sell in the $30,000–$60,000 range (e.g., recent PSA 8 sales around $36,950–$50,000+).
- Lower grades: $10,000–$30,000.
- Ungraded/raw: A few hundred to low thousands, depending on condition.
- The autograph is the primary value driver for the signed Championship version—unsigned parallels are worth a fraction (often 1/10th or less) of their autographed counterparts in comparable condition.
1
008/100 MT9 Auto 10
2021 SOLD for $ 3.1M by Lelands
Lelands sold the 008/100 for $ 3.1M on June 4, 2021, lot 1. It is one of the seven Mint 9. Its sub-grades are Centering 9.5, Edges 9, Corners 8.5 and Surface 9. The signature is a perfect 10.
2
099/100 NM-MT+ 8.5 Auto 9
2021 SOLD for $ 2.25M by Lelands
Lelands sold the 099/100 for $ 2.25M on April 2, 2021, lot 1, and the same card for $ 1.23M on January 29, 2022, lot 20.
It is graded NM-MT+ 8.5 by BGS with an autograph graded 9 by Beckett. Its sub-grades are Centering 9.5, Corners 8.5, Edges 8.5 and Surface 8.
It is graded NM-MT+ 8.5 by BGS with an autograph graded 9 by Beckett. Its sub-grades are Centering 9.5, Corners 8.5, Edges 8.5 and Surface 8.
3
095/100 NM-MT+ 8.5 Auto 10
2021 SOLD for $ 1.72M by Goldin
The card 095/100 is graded NM-MT+ 8.5 by BGS with a signature graded 10 by BGS. The details of its BGS condition report are Centering 9.5, Corners 8, Edges 8.5, Surface 8.5. It was sold for $ 1.72M by Goldin on April 24, 2021, lot 2, and for $ 885K on September 30, 2022 by Heritage, lot 54068.
4
034/100 NM-MT+ 8.5 Auto 10
2021 SOLD for $ 1.6M by Heritage
The card 034/100 is graded NM-MT+ 8.5 by BGS with a signature graded 10 by BGS. Its details are Centering 10, Edges 8.5, Corners 8.5, Surface 8. It was sold for $ 1.6M by Heritage on May 6, 2021, lot 81549.
The card 062/100 is graded NM-MT+ 8.5 by BGS with a signature graded 10 by Beckett. Its details are Centering 9.5, Edges 8.5, Corners 8, Surface 9. It was sold for $ 1.54M by Goldin on October 23, 2021, lot 4.
The card 062/100 is graded NM-MT+ 8.5 by BGS with a signature graded 10 by Beckett. Its details are Centering 9.5, Edges 8.5, Corners 8, Surface 9. It was sold for $ 1.54M by Goldin on October 23, 2021, lot 4.
2000-2001 Tiger Woods Clubs
2022 SOLD for $ 5.2M by Golden Age
Tiger Woods won in 2000 the US Open, the British Open and the PGA championship. When he added his victory in the 2001 Masters, he became the first modern golf champion to be the current holder of the four major championships. This feat is referred as the Tiger Slam.
He had used the same set of clubs for these four victories. A set of eight of these Titleist irons of reference 681-T plus one pitching wedge and two sand wedges was sold for $ 5.2M by Golden Age on April 9, 2022, lot 1. They were illustrated post sale by Golf Planète. The irons are numbered from 2 to 9.
The provenance is impeccable. When Titleist presented a new set of equipment to the champion in 2001 after the Masters, the Tiger Slam equipment went to be owned by a vice-president of that brand who sold it at auction in 2010 to the 2022 consignor. Many photo-matches from the 2000-2001 season are announced, and the set fully matches a description in a period magazine including a slightly modified angle in a wedge.
The 1930 Grand Slam of Bobby Jones had been made of the Amateur Championship in Scotland, the British Open, the US Open and the US Amateur, all being won in the same calendar year.
He had used the same set of clubs for these four victories. A set of eight of these Titleist irons of reference 681-T plus one pitching wedge and two sand wedges was sold for $ 5.2M by Golden Age on April 9, 2022, lot 1. They were illustrated post sale by Golf Planète. The irons are numbered from 2 to 9.
The provenance is impeccable. When Titleist presented a new set of equipment to the champion in 2001 after the Masters, the Tiger Slam equipment went to be owned by a vice-president of that brand who sold it at auction in 2010 to the 2022 consignor. Many photo-matches from the 2000-2001 season are announced, and the set fully matches a description in a period magazine including a slightly modified angle in a wedge.
The 1930 Grand Slam of Bobby Jones had been made of the Amateur Championship in Scotland, the British Open, the US Open and the US Amateur, all being won in the same calendar year.
2022 Messi World Cup Set of Shirts
2023 SOLD for $ 7.8M by Sotheby's
The 2022 FIFA World Cup was held in Qatar. On December 18, the final was won by Argentina against the defending champion France 3-3 after extra time followed by 4-2 in penalty shoot out. Argentina had not won the trophy since 1986 with Maradona as captain. The final was watched on television by 1.5 billion people.
In 2022 Argentina's captain was the 35 year old Lionel 'Leo' Messi, playing his sixth World Cup including a lost final in 2014. Messi was the first ever player to score at least one goal in each round of the Cup.
The final was arguably the most spectacular FIFA final of all time due to the duel between the Paris Saint-Germain teammates Messi and Mbappé. It is also considered among the greatest football matches of all time.
Messi had scored once in first half, once in extra time plus the first Argentinian shoot out. Mbappé had scored twice in the second half, once in extra time plus the first French shoot out. No red card was attributed during this superb 120 minute game.
Six shirts respectively worn by Messi in the first halves of two from three group stage matches, the round of 16 and the quarterfinal, semifinal and final have been gathered as a single lot, sold for $ 7.8M by Sotheby's on December 14, 2023, lot 1.
These Adidas garments of medium slim size with the striped light blue and white of Argentina and Messi's number 10 have been photo-matched by Sports Investors Authentication. They are made in recycled polyester, jacquard and mesh.
In 2022 Argentina's captain was the 35 year old Lionel 'Leo' Messi, playing his sixth World Cup including a lost final in 2014. Messi was the first ever player to score at least one goal in each round of the Cup.
The final was arguably the most spectacular FIFA final of all time due to the duel between the Paris Saint-Germain teammates Messi and Mbappé. It is also considered among the greatest football matches of all time.
Messi had scored once in first half, once in extra time plus the first Argentinian shoot out. Mbappé had scored twice in the second half, once in extra time plus the first French shoot out. No red card was attributed during this superb 120 minute game.
Six shirts respectively worn by Messi in the first halves of two from three group stage matches, the round of 16 and the quarterfinal, semifinal and final have been gathered as a single lot, sold for $ 7.8M by Sotheby's on December 14, 2023, lot 1.
These Adidas garments of medium slim size with the striped light blue and white of Argentina and Messi's number 10 have been photo-matched by Sports Investors Authentication. They are made in recycled polyester, jacquard and mesh.
