Widely regarded 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, lightning 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.

In 1982, Maradona joined FC Barcelona for what was then a world-record transfer fee of $7.6 million from Boca Juniors. Just 22 years old, the Argentine legend wasted no time settling into his new Catalan kingdom. On September 15, 1982, in his first European Cup match, Maradona mesmerized the home crowd at Camp Nou with a hat trick. During his short tenure with Barça (1982-84), he tallied 48 goals in 75 appearances and came away with Spanish Super Cup and Copa Del Rey titles. Although Maradona played just two seasons for the prestigious Spanish club, he paved the way for future South Americans to fill FCB, La Liga, and other European Club rosters for decades to come.

Featured here is a Diego Maradona match worn and autographed FC Barcelona jersey dating to the 1983/84 campaign, his second and final season with the iconic club before transferring to Napoli for new record fee of nearly $10 million. The open-collar shirt comes in the traditional Barça home style with Diego's famous No. "10" in white applique on the back over the classic crimson and blue vertical stripes. The “F.C.B.” team crest is sewn on the left chest. Manufacturer tagging behind the collar includes a small XG flag tag behind the larger Meyba label. The Barcelona-based apparel brand's "M" patch is sewn on the right chest. The elastic-cuffed long sleeves and V-neck collar with open placket are quintessential design elements of the early 1980's. The innovative structure of this shirt was well ahead of its time with breathable mesh armpits to keep the player cooler on the pitch.

The light, stretchy fabric exhibits "moderate" use according to MEARS. There is evidence of repeated use and laundry cycles, with minor soil staining on the back numerals and a scratch mark along the left side. Overall, condition remains exquisite. Maradona has signed the back side below the '1' in black marker, adding a big chunk of value to this museum-worthy relic from one of the best to ever play the beautiful game. Match-worn Maradona Barcelona material from this era is highly coveted among premium football collectors.

Authentication & Provenance

Letters of Authenticity from MEARS for the jersey and PSA/DNA for the autograph. Letter of provenance from a longtime Brazil National Team technical coordinator still actively working for CONMEBOL.