Gordon Banks’ 1966 World Cup champions medal and the jersey worn during his famous ‘Save of the Century’ in 1970 are poised to fetch an astonishing £500,000 at an upcoming auction set to coincide with the 2026 World Cup. Described by a historian as the ultimate prize for passionate England supporters, the auctioneers anticipate each of Banks’ items to fetch between £200,000 and £300,000, potentially totaling over half a million pounds.
Additionally, the shirt worn by Peter Shilton during Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal is also included in the auction. Renowned football historian Grant Bage emphasized the historical significance of these items, labeling them as coveted treasures for wealthy collectors and true England fans.
Bage praised Gordon Banks as one of the finest goalkeepers in history, highlighting the exceptional value of his 1966 World Cup medal and the extraordinary save made during the 1970 World Cup. Both the shirt and medal, previously owned by Banks and now being sold by undisclosed owners, hold significant historical importance. The auction is scheduled for June 25th, between England’s matches against Ghana and Panama.
Recent claims suggesting Banks was poisoned by the CIA, causing him to miss the World Cup quarter-final against West Germany, have resurfaced. Bage, the biographer of legendary England manager Sir Alf Ramsey, shared his memories of watching Banks play in the 1966 and 1970 tournaments, expressing regret over Banks’ absence in crucial matches.
Reflecting on the electrifying 1970 World Cup, Bage highlighted the tournament’s vivid imagery televised in color for the first time in the UK, under the bright Mexican sunshine. When Banks sold his medal in 2001 for £124,750, he expressed that the decision was to support his family financially. The auctioneers estimate that Shilton’s shirt could also garner between £200,000 and £300,000.
