In an unprecedented move, Spanish football giants Real Madrid are giving fans the chance to own a piece of the club’s illustrious history. The iconic home dressing room lockers from the famed Bernabéu stadium, which housed the kits and belongings of legendary players like Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, and Zinedine Zidane, are going up for auction.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
The auction, organized by the prestigious London-based auction house Sotheby’s, will see each of the 24 individual lockers go under the hammer, with bidding starting at a cool £10,000 (€12,000) per locker. This is a truly unique opportunity for die-hard Real Madrid fans and sports memorabilia collectors alike to own a tangible piece of the club’s storied past.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for fans to literally own a piece of Real Madrid history,” said a Sotheby’s spokesperson. “These lockers have been graced by some of the greatest names in football, and we expect fierce bidding from collectors around the world.”
Two Decades of Dominance
The lockers up for auction were in use from 2001 until 2022, a period during which Real Madrid firmly established themselves as one of the most successful and glamorous clubs in world football. During this era, the team won an astonishing 20 trophies, including:
- 6 Champions League titles
- 6 La Liga titles
- 4 FIFA Club World Cups
- 3 UEFA Super Cups
The dressing room played host to an array of global superstars during this time, with the likes of Ronaldo, Beckham, Zidane, Kaká, Sergio Ramos, and Gareth Bale all using these now-iconic lockers.
Steeped in History
Each locker will come complete with a certificate of authenticity and a detailed list of which players used it over the years. This provenance is sure to add to the allure and value of these unique pieces of memorabilia.
“The history attached to these lockers is incredible,” noted a source close to the auction. “Imagine owning the very locker that Zidane used when he coached the team to their third straight Champions League title, or the one where Ronaldo hung his jersey after scoring in a crucial El Clásico match. It’s the stuff of legends.”
For a Good Cause
In a heartening move, Real Madrid has announced that a portion of the proceeds from the auction will be donated to the club’s charitable foundation. The Real Madrid Foundation works to promote the values inherent in sport and to use football as an educational tool capable of contributing to the comprehensive development of young people.
“This auction is not just about giving fans a chance to own a piece of Real Madrid history,” explained a club spokesperson. “It’s also about giving back to the community and supporting the invaluable work of the Real Madrid Foundation.”
An Unforgettable Piece of Memorabilia
For the lucky winners, these lockers will serve as an unforgettable piece of football memorabilia, a tangible connection to the rich history and unparalleled success of one of the world’s greatest football clubs. They will be a conversation starter, a source of pride, and a reminder of the magic and romance of the beautiful game.
As the Bernabéu undergoes an exciting €1 billion redevelopment, these lockers serve as a nostalgic link to the past, to the unforgettable moments and legendary players that have graced this iconic stadium. And now, a select few fans will have the chance to own a piece of that magic, to literally take home a part of Real Madrid’s glittering history.
The auction is set to open on November 12 and will run for two weeks. Interested parties can view the lockers at a special exhibition in London from November 20-26. With interest expected to be high, these pieces of football history could well fetch sums far in excess of their starting bids.
For Real Madrid fans, for sports memorabilia enthusiasts, and for anyone who appreciates the romance and nostalgia of football, this is an auction not to be missed. The chance to own a locker graced by the likes of Ronaldo, Beckham, and Zidane is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
