Paul Pogba’s World Cup-winning boots to be offered in Paris
A charity auction of the World Cup winner's football memorabilia, seeking to raise funds for disadvantaged young people in Paris, will also include Manchester United and Juventus shirts and a signed Champions League football
Paul Pogba is an icon of world football — instantly recognisable by millions of people on every continent for his exploits with Juventus in Italy, Manchester United in the UK, and the France national team. At the World Cup in Russia in 2018, Pogba scored the third and arguably decisive goal in his team’s 4-2 victory over Croatia in the final, which saw France crowned World Champions for the second time. According to FIFA, football’s international governing body, the match was watched by more than 1 billion people.
This pair of boots was worn by Paul Pogba in the 2018 World Cup final. Pogba scored France’s third goal against Croatia in the 59th minute
The Manchester United midfielder has travelled far from his humble origins in the eastern suburbs of Paris, but he has never forgotten his roots. On 29 April Christie’s will host a charity auction of Pogba’s football memorabilia in aid of Les Etoiles de la Source, which aims to improve the lives of young people from disadvantaged neighbourhoods.
'I know where I come from, and whatever happens, it's dear to my heart’ – Paul Pogba
Bidders will have the opportunity to compete for the pair of yellow Adidas boots (above) that the Frenchman wore during that memorable World Cup final, as well as six jerseys endorsed by the player, and an official Champions League football signed by Pogba.
Among the shirts offered in the sale, adorned with the number 6 and, on the back, letters that spell out the name ‘Pogba’, are a red Manchester United top; a shirt bearing the classic black and white stripes of Italy’s most storied club, Juventus; and a blue France jersey, worn by Pogba in a World Cup qualifying match against the Netherlands in August 2017. (France won the match 4-0.)
Pogba wore this shirt while representing France against the Netherlands in a 2017 World Cup qualifying match. France won the game 4-0
‘I know where I come from, and whatever happens, it’s dear to my heart,’ states Pogba. ‘Les Etoiles de la Source is doing a great job for young people in difficulty. As I myself grew up in Roissy-en-Brie [in the east of Paris], I know how hard it can be to succeed professionally. I wish from the bottom of my heart that many people will take action for this wonderful cause and that these young people will have a better future both personally and professionally.’
Two of Paul Pogba’s Manchester United shirts are also being offered in the auction
Les Etoiles de la Source promotes integration through sport and other cultural activities, working with people between the ages of 12 and 25 who are confronted with academic and social difficulties. It also supports people in the process of business creation, as well as offering administrative support to people of foreign origin.
Get the best stories from Christies.com in a weekly email
Boubacar Camara, president of Les Etoiles de la Source, said, ‘Our neighbourhoods are a source of tomorrow’s talents — our association aims to support and guide these young people towards a better future. We are delighted to be able to organize this charity auction at Christie's, and are deeply grateful to our Honorary President Paul Pogba for his wonderful gesture.’
An official Champions League football signed by Paul Pogba
Lionel Gosset, Head of Private and Iconic Collections in Paris, commented, ‘Christie’s is proud to be able to contribute to this great cause. Christie’s has for many years worked with a number of high-profile charities to stage remarkable fundraising auctions, and I am honoured to be the auctioneer for this sale, which I hope will encounter all the success it deserves.’
Paul Pogba's football memorabilia will be on view at Christie’s Avenue Matignon galleries in Paris from 24-29 April.