As players across Europe’s top leagues take to the field this weekend, some of their shirts will be thrown over to stadium goers, while others will pass hands at the final whistle. And, for the first time, some game-worn shirts will head to bidding fans after the launch of a new online auction application backed by some of the best soccer names in the world.
The idea—coined AC Momento—modernizes the soccer memorabilia industry by providing an online space where people can compete for their favourite players’ shirts during certain elite European matches. Still in the process of growing, the app does not encompass all top-tier continental teams. So far, its renowned partners include La Liga pair Atlético Madrid and Sevilla, as well as AC Milan and Benfica—two other Champions League participants.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Lionel Messi is among the elite stars backing the company, with Real Madrid duo Vinícius Júnior and Toni Kroos joining him. The other ‘founding members’ include Barcelona icons Thierry Henry, Cesc Fabregas and Dani Alves. İlkay Gündoğan, Jack Grealish, César Azpilicueta, Ben Chilwell, Kieran Tierney and Clément Lenglet make up the Premier League contingent. The company says it’s raised $20 million in capital from various investors and founders, some of which also comprise current Blaugrana trio Gerard Piqué, Sergio Busquets and Sergi Roberto.