In an unprecedented move that mirrors the club’s storied history, Real Madrid has chosen to auction the old home dressing room at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, as part of its ongoing redevelopment. Sotheby’s, the illustrious auction house based in London, has taken the lead on this innovative venture, slated to take place in November. This initiative provides fans and collectors alike with a rare opportunity to acquire pieces of memorabilia that are steeped in the legacy of one of football’s most illustrious clubs.
The renovations, which began in 2020 and have cost over €1 billion (approximately $1.09 billion), signal a new era for Real Madrid. The announcement of the auction comes in conjunction with the nearing completion of these expansive upgrades. The dressing rooms have hosted legendary players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, and David Beckham, which heightens the significance of the artifacts being offered.
The auction features 24 distinctive lockers, each bearing the name and image of prominent players from the club’s recent past. Bidding will commence at £10,000 ($12,967) for each locker, reflecting the high demand for authentic pieces of sporting history. Notably, these lockers were utilized from 2001 until their closure in 2022, a memorable period that saw the club clinch several prestigious titles, including the LaLiga and Champions League double in the 2021-2022 season.
Each locker is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, ensuring that the bidders know they are purchasing genuine historical artifacts. A comprehensive list indicating which players occupied these lockers during their tenure provides buyers with context, enriching the story associated with each item. Over the two decades of usage, the Bernabéu witnessed a remarkable 544 home matches, culminating in 20 major trophies, further establishing the necessity of preserving this history.
More than a simple progeny of sporting nostalgia, the auction also serves a philanthropic purpose. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Real Madrid Foundation, demonstrating the club’s commitment to community involvement and social responsibility. This gesture reinforces the idea that sports extend beyond the pitch, promoting a culture of giving that resonates with its fan base.
In addition to the lockers, a colossal 10-foot wide mosaic of the Real Madrid badge, once featured prominently at the entrance of the dressing room, will also be part of the auction, with bidding starting at £12,000 ($15,561). This piece not only adds aesthetic value but also serves as a powerful emblem of the club’s identity—a tangible representation of its rich heritage.
From November 20 to November 26, these iconic items will be displayed in London, allowing fans and potential bidders to appreciate them firsthand before the bidding begins on November 12. This auction not only marks the end of an era for the Bernabéu but also creates a tangible connection between the club’s past glories and its future aspirations. For football purists and collectors, this is a unique convergence of history and opportunity, encapsulating the essence of Real Madrid’s legendary status in the world of soccer.