Widely considered one of the top three footballers of all time, Diego Maradona was named alongside Pelé as joint winner of the FIFA Player of the 20th Century Award. The Argentine legend 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.

Presented here is an early Maradona match worn jersey from his brief 1981-82 tenure with Boca Juniors, the most successful Argentine club in history with 74 titles. Just 20 years old when he signed with Boca from Argentinos Juniors, Diego scored 28 goals in 40 games, leading led his team to the Argentina First Division league championship in his lone full 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.

The blue and yellow Boca Juniors short-sleeved shirt comes is properly tagged by Adidas (made in Argentina) behind the collar in size 40. It has Maradona’s iconic number “10” applied to the back in white felt. The Adidas logo patch is sewn on the right chest and the “CABJ” (Club Athletic Boca Juniors) logo is sewn in individual felt letters across the left chest. Three yellow stripes run down the sleeves. Overall, the jersey displays outstanding game use with heavy pilling, soiling and sweat staining. It comes with full authentication paperwork from MEARS. (In 2022, we sold a 1981 Maradona Boca Juniors match shirt for $27,584. This was the last time one surfaced at auction.)