Gordon Banks' Legendary World Cup Jersey Set for High-Profile Auction
The iconic blue England jersey worn by goalkeeper Gordon Banks during his celebrated 'save of the century' against Brazilian legend Pele is poised to go under the hammer at auction. This historic garment, from the 1970 World Cup match held in Mexico, is anticipated to fetch a substantial sum between £200,000 and £300,000.
A Match Remembered for a Moment of Genius
Although England suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Brazil, who went on to win the tournament, the game is eternally etched in football folklore due to Banks' extraordinary acrobatic display. In a pivotal moment, he thwarted a powerful downward header from Pele, who was so convinced of scoring that he famously exclaimed 'Gol' as the ball headed toward the net.
With impeccable timing and reflexes, Banks expertly judged the bounce and miraculously scooped the ball over the crossbar using his right hand. The astonishing save left spectators in awe, with BBC commentator David Coleman capturing the sentiment by declaring, 'What a save. Gordon Banks. He picked that out of the net.'
The Modest Hero and His Lasting Legacy
Gordon Banks, the Sheffield-born goalkeeper who passed away in February 2019 at the age of 81, was renowned for his humility. He later downplayed the legendary stop, attributing it to luck. Reflecting on his career, Banks once remarked, 'They won't remember me for winning the World Cup. It will be for that save.'
His reliability between the posts was so esteemed that it inspired the phrase 'safe as the Banks Of England.' The upcoming auction highlights the enduring value of his memorabilia, with his shirt potentially surpassing the record set by Pele's jersey from the 1970 final against Italy, which sold for £157,750 at Christie's in 2002.
Additional Prized Items on Offer
Accompanying the jersey is Banks' winner's medal from England's 1966 World Cup triumph, valued at up to £250,000. Both the shirt and medal are being offered by separate anonymous sellers, adding an element of intrigue to the sale.
David Convery of Budds auctioneers has hailed Banks' shirt as 'iconic,' noting its unique blue colour worn specifically for that match, as Brazil's yellow kit necessitated a change from England's usual yellow goalkeeper attire.
Another notable item in the auction is the shirt worn by goalkeeper Peter Shilton during England's controversial 1986 World Cup defeat to Argentina, infamously marked by Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal. This piece is also estimated at £200,000 to £300,000.
Auction Details and Accessibility
The sale will commence at 11am on June 10, conducted both in person and online through Budds auctioneers, based in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. This event offers collectors and football enthusiasts a rare opportunity to acquire pieces of sporting history that capture some of the most memorable moments in the beautiful game.
