Bid on Historic Real Madrid Dressing Room Items at Sotheby’s Auction
Real Madrid will auction part of the historic dressing rooms from the Santiago Bernabéu stadium through Sotheby’s. This auction includes lockers used by stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, and David Beckham, along with other stadium items. The lockers will be sold as they were during the 2022 season, complete with a certificate of authenticity and a list of past players.
The auction covers memorabilia from 544 matches held at the Santiago Bernabéu, which included twenty titles, such as six Champions Leagues and six Spanish League titles. In addition to the lockers, jerseys from Zinedine Zidane, Sergio Ramos, and Luis Figo will also be available. A three-meter-wide mosaic of Santiago Bernabéu with the club crest and the stadium’s metal gates will also be up for bid, with prices starting at £12,000 and £8,000, respectively.
The auction aims to benefit the Real Madrid Foundation, which supports children’s education and social inclusion for vulnerable populations. Brendan Hawkes, a sports memorabilia expert at Sotheby’s, expressed excitement about offering these unique pieces, especially after Kobe Bryant’s locker sale last summer for $2.9 million.
How will the proceeds from the auction be used to benefit the Real Madrid Foundation?
Exclusive Interview: Brendan Hawkes on Real Madrid’s Historic Auction
December 5, 2023
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In an unprecedented move, Real Madrid is set to auction off iconic memorabilia from its famed Santiago Bernabéu stadium, including lockers that housed some of football’s greatest legends. Brendan Hawkes, a sports memorabilia expert at Sotheby’s, joins us to shed light on this exciting event.
Q: Brendan, can you tell us about the significance of this auction for Real Madrid fans and collectors?
Brendan Hawkes: Absolutely. This auction represents a unique opportunity for fans to own a piece of football history. The lockers, which have been used by stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, and David Beckham, are tangible reminders of the moments that defined their careers. For collectors, this is more than just memorabilia; it’s a way to connect with the legacy of one of the most successful clubs in the world.
Q: What can you tell us about the items available at the auction?
Brendan Hawkes: We are incredibly excited to offer a wide range of items. The auction includes not only the historic lockers from the 2022 season but also jerseys worn by legends like Zinedine Zidane and Sergio Ramos. Perhaps the standout piece is a magnificent three-metre-wide mosaic of Santiago Bernabéu, complete with the club crest. These items have been carefully conserved, and each comes with a certificate of authenticity, making them even more special for bidders.
Q: How did you prepare for this auction in light of the recent sale of Kobe Bryant’s locker?
Brendan Hawkes: The Kobe Bryant locker auction last summer set a remarkable precedent in the world of sports memorabilia, fetching $2.9 million. It highlighted the immense value and emotional connection that collectors feel towards unique pieces of sports history. As we prepare for this auction, we aim to replicate that excitement, emphasizing the personal stories behind each locker and memorabilia piece, along with its historical significance.
Q: Can you elaborate on the charitable aspect of this auction?
Brendan Hawkes: Certainly! Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Real Madrid Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting children’s education and promoting social inclusion for vulnerable populations. It’s an honor to work on an auction that not only celebrates the club’s rich history but also contributes positively to society. Bidders can enjoy the satisfaction of owning a piece of history while also making a difference.
Q: What can potential bidders expect during the auction period?
Brendan Hawkes: The auction will kick off on December 12th and run for two weeks. We will host an exhibition of all the auction pieces from December 20th to 26th at our Sotheby’s gallery in central London, allowing fans and collectors to view these remarkable items in person. We expect a lot of excitement, and I encourage anyone interested to participate!
Q: what is your estimation regarding the value of some of these unique items?
Brendan Hawkes: The mosaic alone has an estimated value of between £12,000 and £18,000, while other items like the lockers are anticipated to attract high bids as well. Given the names associated with these pieces and their storied past, we expect some intense bidding battles.
As anticipation builds for this historic auction, sports fans and collectors alike are eager to see how these invaluable pieces of Real Madrid’s legacy will fare on the global stage.
The auction begins on December 12th and lasts for two weeks. An exhibition of the auction pieces will take place from December 20th to 26th at Sotheby’s gallery in central London. The mosaic has an estimated value of between £12,000 and £18,000. The auction house confirmed the mosaic was carefully removed from the stadium and transported to London without damage.