As Pelé was wrapping up his playing career in the mid-1970s, an Argentinian teenager with similar wizardry on the pitch was just getting started. Diego Maradona had yet to turn 16 when he made his pro debut in the Argentine First Division in 1976. He scored 115 goals in 167 games for Argentinos Juniors, all before his 21st birthday. His superstardom went global in 1982 when he played in his first World Cup for Argentina and transferred to FC Barcelona. The 5' 5" attacking midfielder’s instincts, vision, playmaking, and superior ball control left fans and opponents in awe.

It was at the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico where Diego captained La Albiceleste to their second FIFA world title that his legend reached mythic proportions. His "Hand of God" goal in the Quarterfinals against England remains the most notorious goal in international soccer history. "El Pibe de Oro" (“The Golden Boy”) followed that up three minutes later by dribbling through the entire English defense to score the "Goal of the Century" in front of 114,000 at Estadio Azteca. His fame on the pitch would later be met with much controversy off it, yet Diego Maradona shares the title with Pelé as FIFA's “Player of the 20th Century.”

This offered Argentina National Team #10 jersey was likely worn by Maradona in a qualifying, friendly or exhibition match leading up to his glorious 1986 World Cup run in Mexico. A third alternate style from Argentina’s standard home and away kits, these white long-sleeved shirts were used for cooler climates or higher altitude. Proper tagging inside the collar is labeled French apparel manufacturer Le Coq Sportif, which supplied kits for Argentina, other national teams, and many professional clubs during that period. The company’s rooster logo appears on the right chest across from the AFA (Argentine Football Association) crest patch on the left chest. The crew neck and sleeve ends have blue trim. Maradona's iconic No. "10" is applied on the back in blue suede with shadowed outlines. The jersey remains very clean and presentable with light wear and evidence of laundering as the internal tag is aged and well-worn. In addition, a yellow captain's armband presumably used by Maradona as part of this shirt, is included.

On March 29, 1986, Argentina defeated Maradona's club team, Napoli, 2-1, at Estadio de Sole in Naples, Italy. Argentina wore these same style white long-sleeve shirts in that exhibition match. It is unknown which match this shirt is from. The “Hand of God” jersey auctioned for an eye-popping $9.28 million in 2020. Here’s an incredible opportunity to own an ’86 Maradona Argentina shirt without breaking the bank.

Includes a letter of provenance from Marcos Teixeira, longtime Technical Coordinator for the Brazil National Team and Real Madrid; he is also the nephew of former CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) President Ricardo Teixeira. With his unique connections, this was likely a gift or a jersey exchange with an Argentinian staff member Also comes with authentication paperwork from MEARS verifying the size and style. While MEARS describes the use as “minimal” and calls it “team issued”, we stand behind this as match worn by Maradona due to the Teixeira’s LOP.