Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Mario Gotze's World Cup-winning left boot has been auctioned off for charity, raising an astonishing €2m.
The midfielder donated his Nike boot, the very same one he scored the winning goal with in the World Cup final in July, to raise funds for German charity 'A Heart for Children'.
It was the left foot of Gotze that struck the crucial goal in the 113th-minute for Germany in their 1-0 triumph over Argentina at the Maracana in Rio.
Gotze never cleaned the historic boot, which raised €2m (£1.6m) in a gala for the German charity.
"I have never washed the boot. It is still in the same condition as it was in Rio, when I left the stadium with it," the Bayern Munich star told Bild.
"There is still grass on it. I have never put the boot on after the final. I kept it safe at my house."
Charity treasurer Niko Knochenhauer added: "I would not have dreamed . Two million - that's a huge sum . The good thing is that it is for a good cause... and not just for the shoe."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments