Wesley Sneijder auctions his legendary World Cup career
Wesley Sneijder auction events recently captured the attention of football fans worldwide as the former Netherlands international decided to part ways with several prestigious items from his career. Spanning from 2002 to 2019, the legendary playmaker accumulated numerous titles and trophies. Through the MatchWornShirt platform, a selection of unique items from the 2010 and 2014 World Cups was successfully sold for thousands of euros, allowing collectors to acquire pieces of football history.
Precious medals from South Africa and Brazil
The auction featured significant pieces of silverware and commemorative objects won during his time with the Dutch national team. Among the items sold were:
- 2014 Participation Medal: The medal from the tournament in Brazil fetched 1,042 euros.
- Third-Place Medal: The medal earned after defeating the host nation 3-0 in 2014 was sold for 6,500 euros.
- Silver Ball: Following his stellar 2010 campaign where he scored five goals and reached the final against Spain, his Silver Ball award as the second-best player of the tournament went for 19,001 euros.
As an essential orchestrator in midfield, Sneijder guided his squad brilliantly during the South African tournament before narrowly missing out on the ultimate trophy against Spain.
The iconic Jabulani match ball from the Brazil quarter-final
Another highlight of the auction was the famous Jabulani match ball used during the dramatic 2010 quarter-final clash against Brazil, where Sneijder scored the winning header. Explaining how he acquired the object, the former Inter Milan star revealed that a Brazilian opponent approached him in the locker room after the final whistle and told him to take the ball home since he scored with it. This unique artifact was eventually purchased for approximately 6,124 euros.
Sharing memories with football enthusiasts
Explaining his motivation behind parting with these prized possessions, the player nicknamed The Sniper stated that these articles represent unforgettable moments in his career. By offering them on the market, he aims to share those cherished memories with collectors and supporters alike. Having played for clubs like Ajax, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Galatasaray, and OGC Nice before retiring in Qatar in 2019, Sneijder remains delighted if these historical items bring joy to other passionate fans.
Photo : Kathi Rudminat — CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
