Soccer isn’t just the world’s most popular sport — it’s also one of the hottest markets for autograph collectors. From living legends to fallen icons, certain signatures have skyrocketed in value, making them prized investments as well as pieces of history.
At AutographSharks, we specialize in authentic, verified soccer autographs — every one certified and guaranteed. Let’s look at the 10 most valuable soccer autographs of all time (and what makes them so special).
⚽️ 1. Pelé
The late Brazilian legend’s autograph remains one of the most sought after in sports history.
- 🏆 Three-time World Cup winner
- ✍️ Authentic jerseys can sell for $5,000–$10,000+
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⚠️ Fakes are common — always look for PSA/DNA or Beckett certification
🐐 2. Lionel Messi
Still playing at the highest level, Messi’s autograph has become a collector’s dream.
- ⚽ Official Argentina or Barcelona shirts often fetch $1,000–$4,000
- 🖊️ His signature changed slightly over the years, making early ones even rarer
🇵🇹 3. Cristiano Ronaldo
CR7’s autograph is one of the most globally recognized — and one of the most counterfeited.
- 📸 Signed Real Madrid or Portugal jerseys average $800–$2,500
- 💎 Items signed during private signings with COA from verified dealers are the safest investments
🏴 4. George Best
A Manchester United icon whose career and life were cut short, making his signature extremely rare.
- ⚽ Signed shirts and photos: $1,500–$5,000+
- 🧾 Genuine COA and provenance are critical for high-value pieces.
🏟️ 5. Diego Maradona
After his passing, Maradona’s memorabilia value surged dramatically.
- 🇦🇷 Signed Napoli or Argentina shirts often exceed $3,000
- 🧠 Be cautious — counterfeit Maradona autographs are common on auction sites
🧤 6. Lev Yashin
The only goalkeeper to win the Ballon d’Or — and one of the rarest autographs in soccer history.
- 🧾 Vintage signatures from the 1960s can fetch $5,000–$15,000
- 🕰️ Scarcity and historic significance drive demand
⚡ 7. Zinedine Zidane
Known for his elegance on the pitch and his coaching success, Zidane’s signature remains highly collectible.
- 🇫🇷 France World Cup 1998 memorabilia: $500–$1,500
- 💬 Signed balls and photos are especially popular in Europe
🌍 8. Ronaldinho
Still one of the most charismatic players in football — and his signature reflects it!
- ⚽ Signed Brazil or Barcelona items: $300–$900
- ✍️ Authentic signatures feature a long, looping “R” — watch for inconsistencies
🧢 9. David Beckham
A global icon whose autograph appeals beyond soccer fans.
- ⚽ Signed Manchester United or England shirts: $400–$1,000
- 💎 Limited-edition items tied to charity events hold extra value
🇳🇱 10. Johan Cruyff
The Dutch legend’s autograph is both beautiful and scarce.
- 🧾 Signed photos and vintage Ajax shirts: $2,000–$6,000
- 📈 Value continues to climb due to limited authentic supply
📊 Collecting Tip from AutographSharks
💡 Rarity + Authentication = Value
Always prioritize:
- COA verification (PSA/DNA, Beckett, JSA, or AutographSharks certification)
- Condition of the item
- Historical or emotional significance
Every authentic soccer autograph tells a story — of greatness, legacy, and the magic of the game.
🦈 Collect from Trusted Sources
At AutographSharks, every autograph we sell is 100% verified and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA). From Messi and Ronaldo to Pelé and Maradona, we help collectors find genuine pieces of soccer history.