Now, 36 years later, Hodge has auctioned the shirt for £7.1m, a world record for a sports shirt. Maradona, arguably the greatest, but most controversial footballer of all time, died in November 2020 aged 60.
While any Sunderland shirt since the club’s formation in 1879 would be unlikely to top that, there are still SAFC tops that collectors would love to get their hands on. They would be worth a few quid too.
But more important than that is the huge sentimental value of certain Sunderland shirts. Some, alas, may be lost forever.
However, we have compiled this list, in chronological order, of the 11 most valuable shirts (well, according to us) from the club’s history.
We agonised over the list; for instance we haven’t found a place for shirts worn by Charlie Hurley, Dave Halliday, Charlie Buchan or Jermain Defoe.
Feel free to argue.
5. Shirt worn by Raich Carter v Preston North End, May 1, 1937
Strangely, Sunderland had been champions of England six times before they finally won the FA Cup in 1937. Trailing at half-time, they came back to win 3-1. All-time great strikers Bobby Gurney and Raich Carter (plus Eddie Burbanks) both scored, but we've given the nod to Carter's shirt as he was also captain. Photo: Sunderland Echo
6. Shirt worn by Len Shackleton v Huddersfield Town, February 21, 1948
Well it's Shack (here between Ted Purdon and Charlie Fleming). Shortly after his big money (£20,050) move from Newcastle, he scored in this 2-0 win, his first Sunderland appearance at Roker Park (we'll pass lightly over his debut being a 5-1 defeat at Derby County). Photo: Sunderland Echo
7. Shirt worn by Jimmy Montgomery v Leeds United, May 5, 1973
We've given this shirt slight preference to Ian Porterfield's, worn the same day. Sunderland's record appearance maker makes football's most famous save in the club's most famous game. How could we miss it out? PA image. Photo: PA
8. Blue away shirt worn by Gary Rowell v Newcastle, February 24, 1979
The penalty taken in this picture by brilliant Seaham striker Rowell completed a thumping 4-1 win at St James' Park. Need we say more? His later career was blighted by injury. Photo: Sunderland Echo