The jersey worn by legendary footballer Diego Maradona during the 1986 World Cup Semifinal is set to be auctioned on August 22 at Sotheby's in New York, with an estimated price between $800,000 and $1.2 million.

Maradona (1960-2020) swapped the jersey with Belgian goalkeeper Jean Marie Pfaff, who has cherished the keepsake ever since. When they met again in 2016, the Argentine star wrote a dedication on it: "For the charming Jean Marie, with all my affection," as detailed by Sotheby's.

"I've treasured this jersey for almost four decades, ever since Diego and I exchanged items after that unforgettable semifinal. Competing against one of the greatest football players was an honor, but calling him a friend was even more special," Pfaff said in a statement from the institution.

Since 2023, Pfaff has displayed the signed and sweaty jersey in his "El Sympatico Museum" in Beveren, Belgium. Before the auction, which opened its online bidding period today, it will be showcased at Sotheby's New York headquarters from July 26 to 30.

Maradona's jersey is one of the highlights of a sports auction featuring cultural icons, including Spanish tennis star Rafa Nadal, with a racket he used in 2006 at Roland Garros and Wimbledon and sneakers he wore at the 2014 Australian Open.

Apart from that, the most expensive item in the sale is NBA star Kobe Bryant's locker from the Staples Center (up to $1.5 million), followed by the shorts Michael Jordan wore during his retirement basketball game (up to $250,000).