This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/14/2024
The late Diego Maradona is widely considered one of the best footballers of all time. The legendary Argentine nicknamed “El Pibe de Oro” (“The Golden Boy”) was selected alongside Pelé as FIFA’s Player of the 20th Century. The 5' 5" magician with lightning-fast feet starred for the Argentina National Team from 1977-1994, leading his country to the World Cup title in 1986. In Argentina’s 2-1 quarterfinal victory over England, Maradona scored two of the most famous goals in soccer history just a few minutes apart – the notorious “Hand of God” followed by FIFA’s “Goal of the Century” in which he dribbled through the entire English defense.
Diego's club career began in 1977 with the Argentinos Juniors and later the Boca Juniors in his native country before embarking on an 11-year tenure in Europe with three clubs. His most signficant run was certainly with SSC Napoli in Serie A (1984-91) as he singlehandedly turned the Italian franchise into a champion. After arriving from FC Barcelona on a then-record transfer fee (12 million euros) two years earlier, Diego brought Napoli its first ever Serie A league title in 1986-87. They also won the Coppa Italia that same year for the rare double. In 1988-89, Napoli won the UEFA Cup for its first European title and then took home its second Serie A championship in 1989-90, making Maradona a worshipped diety in Naples and throughout Southern Italy until the end of time.
Presented here is a Maradona match worn Napoli jersey from the 1988-89 season. The long-sleeved pullover in light blue satin material has the SSC Napoli crest sewn on the upper right chest and team sponsor "Mars" pressed on the center of the shirt. On the upper left chest is the "NR" patch from Italian apparel company Nicola Raccuglia, maker of this shirt. Diego's iconic number "10" is sewn on the back om white fabric. There is no manufacturer tagging present, a common trait among Napoli shirts from this period. The size (42 chest) is fitting for Maradona at that time. The shirt is all-original with no alterations, displaying moderate wear with some loose thrreads, minor fading, and some light stains. It comes with a letter from Alessandro Renica, an Italian footballer who was Maradona's Napoli teammate for several years. Also included is a letter from Sports Investors Authentication.