This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/27/2023
The great Diego Maradona joined FC Barcelona on what was then a world-record transfer fee of $7.6 million from Argentina's Boca Juniors in 1982. It took Maradona no time to adapt to his new environment in the Catalonia region. In his first European Cup action on September 15, 1982, at Camp Nou, the striker mesmorized those lucky fans in attendence with a hat trick. During his brief stint with Barca (1982-84), he tallied 48 goals in 75 appearances and came away with a Spanish Super Cup and Copa Del Rey title. Although Maradona only played two seasons for the prestigous Spanish club, his impact on the proud Catalans and La Liga as a whole certainly helped pave the way for a future pipeline of South American talent that would saturate FCB rosters for decades to come.
Featured here is a Maradona FC Barcelona match-worn jersey from his 1982-84 tenure. The open-collar shirt in traditional team colors has Diego's iconic No. "10" in white Applique numerals on the back over Barca's crimson and blue vertical stripes. The famous F.C.B. team crest is sewn on the front left chest. Meyba manufacturer tagging behind the collar, with a size XG flag tag, follows suit with other exemplars from the era; and the Barcelona-based apparel brand's "M" patch is sewn on the right chest. The design of these shirts was well ahead of its time as it comes equipped with mesh, net-like armpits to keep the player cooler on the pitch. The light, stretchy fabric exhibits "heavy" use according to the MEARS authentication paperwork, and we concur based on the level of wear evident in the patches and a rather sweat-stained aroma now well-absorbed after 40 years. Extremely important gamer from one of the best to ever play the beautiful game. Easily the finest Maradona Barca jersey we have ever handled. Comes with a full LOA from MEARS.