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.
9. Shirt worn by John Byrne v Norwich City, April 5, 1992
Byrne scored in every round except the final when Sunderland reached only their fourth FA Cup final. This 1-0 semi-final win, courtesy of his easy header, was a great day. Photo: Getty Images
10. Shirt worn by Niall Quinn v Manchester City, August 15, 1997
Knowing what we do now, it seems wonderfully fitting that the Stadium of Light's first ever goal was scored by The Man. It was a 3-1 win and Niall's goal came courtesy of comical defending by his former team. Photo: Kevin Brady
11. Shirt worn by Kevin Phillips v Newcastle, August 25, 1999
Phillips' winner in a 2-1 victory was arguably the greatest goal seen in a Tyne-Wear derby; a virtually impossible lob on a paddling pool of a pitch in torrential rain. Bizarrely it wasn't even considered for Match of the Day's goal of the month, whereas a lesser Phillips goal against Watford was. Photo: Peter Berry
12. Shirt worn by Mart Poom v Derby County, September 20, 2003
Hard to beat this moment from a 1-1 draw for novelty value. Former Derby keeper Poom equalised with a header in injury time. A real "I was there" moment, Darwin Brewery even created a beer in its honour. But where's the shirt now? Photo: Sunderland Echo