Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Ailton Says He Buys Back 2004 Torjägerkanone After 19 Years

He reports reclaiming the award via a court-offered buyback following long-running disputes over agents’ custody.

Overview

  • The 52-year-old posted photos holding the trophy and told BILD it is back in his possession, while declining to disclose the payment.
  • According to the reporting, former agent Werner Helleckes took the item in 2006 over an alleged debt and kept it out of Ailton’s hands for years.
  • BILD says Helleckes attempted multiple eBay auctions that Ailton halted, with a highest bid reported at €600,000.
  • Ailton states the trophy later moved to another agent, a legal dispute followed, and he used a court-offered option to buy it back.
  • The award honors his 28-goal 2003–04 Bundesliga campaign for Werder Bremen, a season central to the club’s double.