Football: The Eternal Passion Driving Sports Collecting
From Maradona’s match-worn jersey to World Cup final balls: football remains the beating heart of sports memorabilia, in Italy and around the globe.
When it comes to sports and collecting, football holds a special place in the collective imagination. More than just a game, for millions of fans it is culture, identity, and a generational rite. It’s no surprise, then, that football memorabilia has become one of the most dynamic sectors in the global collecting market, with ever-expanding demand.
From Match-Worn Shirts to Auction Records
The football memorabilia boom is undeniable. According to "Il Sole 24 Ore," the value of sports memorabilia has shown steady growth over the past five years, with football leading the way thanks to its global appeal. One of the most iconic sales remains Diego Armando Maradona’s jersey from the legendary "Hand of God" goal, auctioned by Sotheby’s for over €8 million. Shirts worn by Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, Pelé, Totti or Maldini – when worn in official matches – can easily reach five-figure sums.
A Growing and Increasingly Professional Market
Football memorabilia is becoming more professional worldwide, with certifications, photographic expertise (photomatching), and partnerships with clubs and auction houses. Even major luxury investment indexes, such as the Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index, now reflect rising interest in items tied to football legends.
According to MTM Memorabilia, one of the most sought-after categories is match-worn gear: jerseys, boots, or gloves actually used in matches, identifiable by unique details like grass stains, crooked numbers, faded logos, or verified through photomatching, which compares official match images to the item. Catawiki also notes that certified autographs can significantly enhance an item’s value.
Beyond Jerseys: From Tickets to Football Boots
Football memorabilia isn’t limited to jerseys. Highly sought-after items include tickets to historic matches, official final balls, captain armbands, medals, match-worn boots, signed photos, and even trainers’ equipment cases. Original sports newspapers and rare trading cards (Panini, Topps) have also gained traction on the secondary market.
A Market Engaging the Next Generation
Football holds a rare intergenerational power. Increasingly, young collectors are entering the world of memorabilia, spurred by social media visibility and the gamification of collecting. According to a Knight Frank and We Wealth study, the average age of buyers is dropping, with under-35s active even in premium segments.
In such a dynamic landscape, Collecto curates football memorabilia of exceptional provenance and collectible value: match-worn jerseys, certified autographs, and photomatched items. Through fractional ownership, it makes the shared possession of these sports treasures accessible to new generations of fans. Because football is more than a game – it’s a living memory, and its legend lives on in the objects that shaped its history.
