Mark Zuckerberg Buys Jesse Eisenberg’s ‘Social Network’ Shirt – The Story Behind the Auction

In a surprising turn of events, Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, has acquired a unique piece of cinematic history—the iconic blue Ardsley Athletics t-shirt worn by Jesse Eisenberg in the 2010 film The Social Network. This piece of memorabilia, closely tied to the dramatized origins of Facebook, was sold at a Propstore Auction for $4,095, catching the attention of tech enthusiasts and movie fans alike.

The shirt, an XXL-size relic from one of Hollywood’s most famous biopics, made its way into Zuckerberg’s hands thanks to a casual yet enthusiastic suggestion from a friend.

What makes this purchase so special? Not only was the shirt featured in pivotal scenes of the film, but it also holds personal significance for Zuckerberg, who actually attended Ardsley High School before moving on to Harvard.

Zuckerberg’s Reaction—“I“ Guess This Is My Shirt Now”

Appearing on The Colin and Samir Show podcast, Zuckerberg casually revealed the acquisition, leading to an amusing exchange about his connection to the now-iconic prop.

“Yeah, this is his [Jesse Eisenberg’s] shirt. Well, I guess this is my shirt now, but it was his shirt,” Zuckerberg joked.

The tech billionaire’s lighthearted response raised the inevitable question—did Eisenberg know about this unexpected purchase? Zuckerberg’s smirk said it all:

“Now he does.”

Why Did Zuckerberg Buy the Shirt?

Despite being the real-life inspiration for The Social Network, Zuckerberg has openly expressed mixed feelings about the film. He has only watched it once, stating that while the costume choices and technical details were surprisingly accurate, the narrative arc around his motivations was entirely incorrect.

So, why buy the very shirt that symbolizes Hollywood’s version of his story?

According to Zuckerberg, a friend spotted the auction listing and immediately sent it to him, urging him to bid.

“One of my friends saw this online, and he said, ‘You have to get this.’ So I was like, all right, yeah, sure, let’s get it,” Zuckerberg explained.

A Shirt That Represents More Than Just a Film Prop

For Zuckerberg, this isn’t just a piece of fabric—it’s a symbol of Facebook’s pop culture legacy. While The Social Network took creative liberties in depicting Facebook’s controversial rise, it undeniably cemented Zuckerberg’s place in tech folklore.

The movie turned Facebook’s origins into a gripping drama, sparking debates about ambition, ethics, and power in Silicon Valley.

And now, with this unexpected purchase, Zuckerberg has unintentionally created a full-circle moment—owning a piece of the film that immortalized his story.

The Auction That Caught Everyone’s Attention

The Propstore Auction is known for selling rare movie memorabilia, and this shirt was no exception. The winning bid of $4,095 might seem modest compared to some of Hollywood’s other legendary props, but for Zuckerberg, it represents something far greater—a reminder of how his life became the subject of an Oscar-winning movie.

Other items from the film have also surfaced at auctions over the years, further proving the cultural staying power of The Social Network.

Zuckerberg’s Complex Relationship with The Social Network

Despite its critical acclaim and pop culture status, Zuckerberg has never been a fan of the way the film portrays him.

The Social Network won three Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay, and was widely regarded as one of the best films of the 2010s.

However, Zuckerberg has long maintained that its portrayal of his personality and motivations was exaggerated for dramatic effect.

While the film accurately captured the aesthetics of Facebook’s early days—down to the outfits—Zuckerberg has dismissed it as an inaccurate representation of his real-life journey.

From Palo Alto to Hollywood—The Shirt’s Journey Through Time

 The blue Ardsley Athletics t-shirt was a notable part of Eisenberg’s wardrobe in the film, particularly in scenes set in Palo Alto, where Facebook was rapidly evolving into a global phenomenon.

The shirt itself became synonymous with the film’s portrayal of Zuckerberg—an ambitious yet socially awkward genius navigating the turbulent world of tech entrepreneurship.

Now, years later, that very shirt has made its way from a Hollywood set to the closet of the man who inspired the film.

Eisenberg and Zuckerberg—A Connection Through Cinema

Jesse Eisenberg, who portrayed Zuckerberg in The Social Network, has often spoken about how he prepared for the role. His performance was widely praised, even earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

Ironically, Eisenberg has met Zuckerberg only once—long after the film’s release.

Now, with Zuckerberg owning a key piece of Eisenberg’s on-screen wardrobe, their connection takes on a new and somewhat humorous dimension.

Will Eisenberg respond to Zuckerberg’s unexpected purchase? That remains to be seen.

A Symbol of Facebook’s Cultural Influence

Zuckerberg’s purchase of this famous t-shirt is more than just a quirky auction win—it’s a reminder of how deeply The Social Network has influenced public perception of Facebook.

Even today, more than a decade after the film’s release, discussions about Facebook’s origins are still shaped by the movie’s narrative.

By buying this shirt, Zuckerberg unintentionally reignites interest in the film and its legacy, proving once again that Facebook’s history is as much a part of Hollywood as it is of Silicon Valley.

What’s Next? Will Zuckerberg Embrace the Meme?

With Zuckerberg now officially in possession of the legendary Ardsley Athletics shirt, fans are already speculating—will he actually wear it in public?

Will we see him wearing the shirt at a Meta event?
Will he post a side-by-side comparison of himself and Eisenberg?
Or will this just be another weird, yet fascinating moment in the ongoing Zuckerberg saga?

One thing is certain—whether he likes it or not, Zuckerberg’s purchase has put The Social Network back in the headlines.