Champions League Winner Steve Finnan Forced to Sell Medals and Trophy Amid Financial Struggles

Former Liverpool defender Steve Finnan, a Champions League winner with the club in 2005, was reportedly forced to sell his winner’s medal and other memorabilia as part of efforts to resolve serious financial difficulties linked to a property business dispute.

The 50-year-old was a key member of Liverpool’s iconic “Miracle of Istanbul” side that famously overturned a 3-0 deficit against AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final before triumphing on penalties under Rafa Benítez.

However, despite reaching the pinnacle of European football, Finnan’s personal reward from that historic night no longer remains in his possession after it was auctioned during a period of financial turmoil.

Following his retirement from professional football in 2010, Finnan moved into property investment, running a business alongside his brother, Sean. The venture, which involved several properties in south-west London including a home in Wimbledon Common, later descended into dispute and financial collapse after a breakdown in their professional relationship.

In 2023, Finnan initiated legal proceedings alleging he had been deprived of approximately £6 million linked to the business. He also accused legal representatives of mishandling aspects of the case, though his claim was ultimately dismissed by the High Court.

Court documents revealed that Finnan had raised concerns as early as 2016, emailing solicitors to express frustration that despite significant loans and funding, the companies appeared to have little remaining capital.

He subsequently instructed his legal team to pursue an “unfair prejudice” petition against his brother. Sean Finnan denied any wrongdoing, although both parties acknowledged that their relationship had irreparably broken down before later reaching an out-of-court settlement.

Although Finnan was reportedly close to receiving a settlement worth around £4 million following an agreement to transfer company shares, the payment was never finalised. Sean Finnan was later declared bankrupt in July 2019.

That same year, the former Liverpool defender stated that he had received just £187,570 from the sale of company assets, along with a further £89,345 from additional property transactions.

The financial difficulties ultimately forced Finnan to part with several personal and career mementoes. Alongside his 2005 Champions League winner’s medal, he also sold signed shirts from the final, a replica of the Champions League trophy, and a luxury watch awarded after Liverpool’s triumph.

He also auctioned his runner-up medal from the 2007 Champions League final, in which Liverpool were defeated by AC Milan.