Sir Bobby Charlton’s 1966 World Cup semi-final shirt sells for £59k day after Man Utd legend is laid to rest

Sir Bobby Charlton's England shirt from the 1966 World Cup semi-final has sold for £59,000 at auction - just a day after he was laid to rest.

The iconic jersey was worn by the Manchester United legend against Portugal on July 26, 1966 in a game the Three Lions won 2-1 on the path to World Cup glory. Sir Bobby scored both goals in front of 94,000 fans at Wembley Stadium before England famously went on to beat West Germany 4-2 in the final four days later.

The signed shirt, which was part of the team’s finest hour 57 years ago, was consigned to auction a year ago but has now been sold following Sir Bobby's death.

It was bought by a private international online bidder for a total of £59,040, including buyer’s premium, at Hansons Auctioneers.

Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “This important shirt was consigned to auction a year before news of Sir Bobby’s passing in October emerged. It had long been scheduled for Hansons’ November Sporting Auction.

"News of his loss came as huge shock to us all. We were deeply saddened. He was a football legend admired by millions. We’re 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. It's a tribute, it's a memory and Sir Bobby’s legacy will live on.

“It 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 £9,200, equivalent to around £20,000 today, at a London auction in 2000.

"It was offered at what now seems a modest estimate of £10,000-£15,000. But that was 23 years ago, demand for football memorabilia has soared, England’s 1966 World Cup glory has never been repeated and the respect felt for Sir Bobby is immense.”

A total of 94,493 spectators watched the England v Portugal drama unfold. Sir Bobby opened the scoring with a crisp side-footed finish. His second was a sweetly struck shot following a run from Geoff Hurst. The great Eusebio later pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute.

On Monday the footballing world gathered to say a final farewell to one of England's greatest players at his funeral. Prince William, Sir Alex Ferguson, Gareth Southgate and Gary Lineker were among a thousand mourners at the service at Manchester Cathedral.

They were also joined by United legends Roy Keane, Nicky Butt, Steve Bruce, Paul Scholes, Mark Hughes, Peter Schmeichel and Andy Cole. Thousands of fans also lined the route of his cortege, which made on last trip past Old Trafford.

Sir Bobby, who had dementia, sadly passed away on October 21 at the age of 86.