Cristiano Ronaldo’s cleats found in trash sell for thousands

By Charlie Fenton

A pair of soccer cleats worn by Cristiano Ronaldo which a cleaner found in the trash after a training session has sold for £7,500 (over $10,000).

The silver and blue Nike cleats were worn by the legendary Portuguese player in 2004 during a training session at Manchester United's training center, Trafford Training Centre, in Carrington.

But according to Graham Budd Auctions, in Northamptonshire, he didn't like them, and after practice had ended, he put them in the bin.

After spotting them, Tony Heywood — who was a cleaner at the time — retrieved the cleats and held onto them for more than two decades.

The cleats also have "R9" inscribed on the tongue.

They sold for the huge figure last month during an online auction, which included more than 100 pieces of Tony's rich collection of other Red Devil memorabilia.

These included match-worn shirts from David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand and Eric Cantona.

Tony joined MUFC in 1976 after leaving school and stayed there for 46 years until he retired in 2022.

Ronaldo won three Premier League titles during his six-year stint at the club.