Chelsea legend John Terry recently put over 50 items from his personal collection up for auction through American house Goldin.
The event generated over $695,000, with a portion of the proceeds going to the John Terry Foundation, which supports underprivileged youth across the UK.
Perhaps the biggest talking point? A Lionel Messi match-worn jersey fetched more than one from Cristiano Ronaldo, an outcome many fans might find interesting.
The auction grabbed headlines. It seems the rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo extended even to this memorabilia sale. Fans were watching closely, and the numbers are in. And the results are clear, Messi’s item took the top spot in this particular head-to-head.
Terry’s Treasure Chest Unveiled
The star of the show was a Lionel Messi UEFA Champions League match-worn jersey from a 2006 Chelsea vs. Barcelona game. That shirt sold for a whopping $183,000 (£144,000/€168,000). It’s a serious amount of money for a piece of history.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United jersey also went for big money, $115,000 (£85,000/€99,000). So, while still a huge sale, it fell short of Messi’s. This kind of price difference in the memorabilia market for two titans of the sport is something people talk about.
But it wasn’t just those two. A Thierry Henry Arsenal jersey, worn in a 2-1 win over Chelsea back in October 2003, sold for $93,820 (£72,823/€79,146).
It even had a note on it, “To keep the good.” That adds a lot of personal touch, doesn’t it? Other jerseys from football greats like Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Paolo Maldini, and Gianfranco Zola were part of the haul. There were also boots and shin guards, showing how extensive Terry’s collection was.
The most expensive non-jersey item was a replica 2007 FA Cup trophy, which went for $26,000 (£20,150/€23,500). That’s a good price for a piece of a club’s triumph. It gives insight into what collectors value beyond just a player’s shirt.
A Legend’s Collection, A Foundation’s Future
This auction wasn’t just about money; it had a deeper purpose. A portion of the proceeds from the Goldin auction will fund the John Terry Foundation. This helps young people in the UK who need support. It’s a good way to give back using items collected over a storied career.
Terry, a Chelsea icon, had collected these pieces over the years of competing at the highest level. His collection spans some of the most memorable moments and rivalries in football, especially against Premier League and European opponents like Arsenal and Barcelona.
The jerseys represent a golden age of football. Messi and Ronaldo, between them, have won 13 Ballon d’Or awards. Messi has 8, Ronaldo 5. Their dominance defined an era, especially in the Champions League. So, these shirts aren’t just fabric; they’re symbols of sporting greatness and peak rivalry.
Goal.com highlighted the auction, saying,
An old Lionel Messi shirt sold for more than a Cristiano Ronaldo jersey as Chelsea legend John Terry parted with over 50 items.
This pretty much sums up the main narrative. It’s a good snapshot of what happened. Goal.com’s reporting covered the key details of the event. And it’s not the first time we’ve seen items from these players go for big bucks.
The Memorabilia Market Speaks
The auction underscored the high value placed on elite football artifacts. It’s a market that’s only growing. That Messi’s jersey topped Ronaldo’s, despite their shared legendary status, shows how collectors decide value. It’s not always simple.
These sales are separate from the players’ current club situations. Messi’s now with Inter Miami, and Ronaldo is at Al-Nassr.
The jerseys themselves are relics from an earlier, very competitive time. ESPN’s coverage also noted the significant amount raised, putting a spotlight on the auction. It shows the lasting impact these players have, even years later.
It seems that even off the pitch, the Messi-Ronaldo comparison continues. For John Terry, it was a way to clear out some amazing keepsakes and also help a good cause. It’s a win-win, really. And a good reminder of the history these players and clubs made.
Soureesh Datta 
Ishaan Singh 
Priyanjan Paul