The England shirt worn by Sir Bobby Charlton in the 1966 World Cup Wembley semi-final has sold for more than 拢59,000 at auction.
The signed shirt, which was put forward for auction before Sir Bobby鈥檚 recent death, was worn by him in the match against Portugal on July 26, 1966 at the original Wembley Stadium. England won 2-1 and Charlton scored both goals. The famous victory swept England through to the World Cup final, which they won against West Germany four days later.
As well as helping England lift the World Cup that summer Sir Bobby, who died aged 86 on October 21, helped Manchester United become the first English club to win the European Cup in 1968.
The signed shirt, described as a hugely important piece of football memorabilia, went under the hammer at Derbyshire-based Hansons Auctioneers, where it had a guide price of 拢50,000-80,000.
Initial estimates thought it might reach 拢100,000, but it sold to a private international online bidder for 拢59,040, including buyer鈥檚 premium.
Hansons owner Charles Hanson said: 鈥淭his important shirt was consigned to auction a year before news of Sir Bobby鈥檚 passing in October emerged. It had long been scheduled for Hansons鈥 November Sporting Auction.
鈥淣ews of his loss came as huge shock to us all. We were deeply saddened. He was a football legend admired by millions.
鈥淲e鈥檙e pleased to have been able to find this important shirt a new home. We hope it enhances memories of the tremendous role he played in the 1966 World Cup as the nation celebrates his life.
鈥淭his was the shirt worn by an iconic player whose goals put England into the World Cup final and beat Eusebio鈥檚 Portugal. It鈥檚 a tribute, it鈥檚 a memory and Sir Bobby鈥檚 legacy will live on.
鈥淢emories of England鈥檚 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.
鈥淚t came to auction 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 拢9,200, equivalent to around 拢20,000 today, at a London auction in 2000.
鈥淚t was offered at what now seems a modest estimate of 拢10,000-拢15,000. But that was 23 years ago, demand for football memorabilia has soared, England鈥檚 1966 World Cup glory has never been repeated and the respect felt for Sir Bobby is immense.鈥
David Wilson-Turner, head of sports memorabilia at Hansons, said: 鈥淭his shirt deserved to excel. It was worn by one of the greatest England players of all time and marks a magical moment in sporting history, the one and only time England have won the World Cup.
鈥淓ngland鈥檚 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.
鈥淭he 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.鈥
The Northumberland-born midfielder and winger was 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.
He is one of only nine players to have won the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA Champions League and the Ballon d鈥橭r.
