Widely considered as one of the top three footballers of all time, Diego Maradona was named alongside Pelé as FIFA’s Co-Player of the 20th Century. The Argentinian striker was a staple on La Albiceleste for a decade, leading his home country to a memorable FIFA World Cup victory in 1986. In the quarterfinal against England, Diego scored two historic goals – the first being the “Hand of God” and the second voted “Goal of the Century” by FIFA. The adored icon was nicknamed “El Pibe de Oro” (“The Golden Boy”) for his daring runs, lighting footwork, magical creativity and clinical finishing. When his "Hand of God" jersey sold in 2022 for $9.28 million, it reset the game-used market for Maradona and fellow football legends.

Offered here is an incredibly scarce pair of Maradona’s early career cleats from his brief 1981/82 tenure at Boca Juniors, the most successful Argentine First Division club in history with 74 titles. Just 20 years old when he signed with Boca from Argentinos Juniors (both based in Buenos Aires), Maradona scored 28 goals in 40 matches, leading his team to the Primera División championship in his lone season. After the 1982 World Cup, Maradona signed with FC Barcelona and spent his next eleven professional seasons in Europe. In 1995, well past his prime, Maradona made a triumphant return to Boca and retired from his playing career with the club in 1997.

Diego’s relationship with Boca Juniors was deeply rooted, and this pair of 1981/82 match-worn Puma boots connects directly to his first appearances at La Bombonera. The black leather Puma boots with the apparel brand’s trademarked Formstrip logo on the sides has six white plastic studs on the outsoles – consistent with Puma's premium boot models of the early 1980’s, showing the natural leather creasing, scuffing, and wear consistent with genuine pitch use. No size is labeled on the interior. The cleats retain their original black laces and original insoles. The tongues are stamped with the image likeness of Maradona making the pair uniquely and exclusively Diego’s player model. Match-worn Maradona footwear from any era is extraordinarily rare; from his Boca years, it borders on singular.

Authentication & Provenance

LOA from MEARS for the cleats describing wear as “heavy” and confirming a style match from stock images online. Letter of provenance from a longtime Brazil National Team technical coordinator still actively working for CONMEBOL.