Jamie Carragher has revealed an astonishing detail from the aftermath of Liverpool’s unforgettable victory over AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final. The match, which became one of the most dramatic nights in football history, saw Liverpool stage one of the greatest comebacks in European competition. Trailing 3-0 at halftime, goals from Steven Gerrard, Vladimir Smicer, and Xabi Alonso brought Liverpool level, and the Reds triumphed in the penalty shootout (3-2), clinching their fifth European Cup.
While the match itself is etched in history, Carragher has now shared an unbelievable story about what transpired in the AC Milan dressing room following their devastating loss. Milan, having surrendered a three-goal advantage in the second half, were left shattered by the result. In their emotional state, the Italian giants, according to Carragher, left their belongings behind in the dressing room as they walked out. This, however, became an unexpected windfall for the Liverpool squad.
“They left everything in the dressing room—medals, kits, everything,” Carragher said during an interview with Tops of The Kop. “So, basically, everyone was just in there getting stuff… someone said to me ‘do you want Maldini’s shirt?’” Carragher, ever the opportunist, took the opportunity to claim an iconic piece of football memorabilia: the shirt of AC Milan’s legendary captain, Paolo Maldini.
Carragher didn’t hesitate in seizing the chance to own a piece of history. The shirt, which now holds significant sentimental value for the former Liverpool defender, was one of the most coveted items left behind by Milan’s defeated players. “I’ve still got Maldini’s shirt,” he confirmed, adding, “Yes. The club have got that now.” The famous shirt was carefully preserved, and Carragher revealed that Steven Gerrard, too, managed to get his hands on one of Milan’s prized jerseys.
At the time, the loss was an incredibly painful experience for AC Milan, who had dominated the first half and looked on the brink of securing the trophy. However, the second-half collapse and the subsequent penalty shootout defeat left the Milan players devastated, their dreams of European glory dashed in agonizing fashion. The sight of the Milan players leaving the dressing room without retrieving their gear was a reflection of their emotional state after such a stunning turn of events.
Carragher’s acquisition of Maldini’s shirt, however, became more than just a memento; it symbolized the shocking turnaround that Liverpool had orchestrated on that fateful night. The victory in Istanbul was a momentous achievement for the club and for Carragher, who played the full 120 minutes and converted in the penalty shootout. The entire night would become one of the defining moments of his career and a lasting memory for the fans who witnessed it.
In 2023, Carragher reunited with Paolo Maldini on CBS Sports, and during their conversation, the two footballing legends reflected on their long-standing careers and the memorable encounters between their clubs. Carragher took the opportunity to reveal the cherished possession that he had kept all these years. “I just wanted to let you know that I have your shirt from the final in 2005,” Carragher said to Maldini. “It is a huge honour for me to have that shirt, you don’t want it back, no?”
Maldini, who is revered as one of the greatest defenders of all time, responded with typical grace and sportsmanship, acknowledging the deep respect between the two players. Their conversation highlighted the mutual admiration they share, despite the fierce competition between their teams.
Carragher’s story is a reminder of how legendary moments in football can resonate long after the final whistle. That night in Istanbul, Liverpool not only won the Champions League but also completed one of the most memorable comebacks in the history of the competition. It’s a night that defined the careers of many players, including Carragher, whose determination and resilience were on full display as he helped guide his team to glory.
Milan’s loss, though painful at the time, has since become a chapter in the history of both clubs, and the moment of Carragher getting his hands on Maldini’s shirt remains one of the more curious and amusing footnotes from that unforgettable final. As the years pass, the 2005 Champions League final continues to be a benchmark for football fans and players alike, encapsulating the unpredictable nature of the game and the sometimes unexpected treasures that can emerge in the most unusual of circumstances.
This memorable moment is also a testament to the enduring connection between footballing icons and their memorabilia, with the stories behind these artifacts often proving just as compelling as the matches themselves.
