Paris - Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr announces its first-ever auction of Sports Memorabilia in an online sale running from 17 to 26 March 2025 in Paris. This sale will offer a selection of memorabilia related to football, rugby, basketball, boxing, cycling, tennis, Formula 1, and the Olympic Games.

Jean-Marc Leynet, a leading sports expert for 25 years and consultant for the sale, said: "The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris sparked global interest, particularly in the fencing and taekwondo events held under the Grand Palais's magnificent dome. Set within this exceptional architectural framework, Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr will unveil the highlights for its first-ever auction."

Bonhams has been conducting sports sales in the UK and the United States since 2012. Notable sales include the auction held in 2012, alongside the London Olympic Games, in which Olympic torches, memorabilia, and photographs were offered. Other sales have followed, including Olympic medals from Greg Louganis and, more recently, the napkin on which the Sporting Director of Barcelona declared his intention to sign the young Lionel Messi. This sold for £762,400 at Bonhams in London on 17 May 2024.

Julie Mathon, Head of the sale, added: "Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr is organising its first-ever auction dedicated to sports memorabilia in Paris, marking a new milestone in the development of this rapidly growing market. Auctions of sporting items are experiencing unprecedented popularity, building on the momentum of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Shirts belonging to legendary sportsmen and women and trophies are sought-after items that capture memories of unforgettable achievements."

The auction includes items and sporting equipment used in official competitions: shirts worn and/or signed, shorts, balls, tracksuits, jackets, suits, shoes, gloves, rackets, and various other objects used in competitive sport. Official awards such as trophies, medals, and certificates will also be offered for sale, along with heritage and historical items like Olympic torches and official posters.

Highlights offered at auction include:
• Shirt worn by Lionel Messi in December 1999 with Newell's Old Boys during the final of the Pibes 99 tournament.
Estimate: €80,000 - €120,000
This shirt was given by Messi himself following a 1999 youth league match between Newell's Old Boys and General Paz Juniors.
Messi began his football career in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, showing exceptional talent from a very young age. He played for the youth team of Newell's Old Boys before joining FC Barcelona at the age of 13. He achieved tremendous success during his 17 seasons at Barcelona, later continuing his career at Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.
This shirt, worn during the Pibes 99 final where Argentina finished second in December 1999, holds special significance as it is the last shirt Messi wore in an official match for Argentina before his move to Barcelona. It marks the end of his time with the Argentine youth teams before his professional career took off at the Catalan club.

• Michael JORDAN, Shirt worn with the Chicago Bulls during the semi-final of the McDonald's Open against PSG Racing on 17 October 1997 at Paris Bercy.
Estimate: €40,000 - €60,000

• Novak DJOKOVIC, Head racket used and signed during the 2014 French Open final at Roland Garros against Rafael Nadal.
Estimate: €15,000 - €20,000

• Paris 2024, Official torch of the XXXIII Olympic Games designed by Mathieu Lehanneur. Made from 100% recycled steel, gold-coloured (Champagne), 70 cm in height, and weighing 1.5 kg, with only 1,500 units made.
Estimate: €20,000 - €25,000

4 February 2024