Jersey from Diego Maradona’s first World Cup goes to auction

The world cup jersey worn by Argentine football great, Diego Armando Maradona, during the 1982 edition of the elite competition has hit the auction block and is expected to fetch a handsome fortune.

The soccer legend debuted for Argentina in the World cup on 13 June 1982 as they battled it out with Belgium in a group stage match.

• Shock as Diego Maradona passes on aged 60

Maradona, however, didn’t see the back of the net as Argentina lost by a goal but as a 21-year-old hotshot, he showed great potential of the superstar he would eventually become.

According to reports making the rounds, the people at GottaHaveRockAndRoll.com have revealed that they’ve gotten their hands on the original jersey worn during that match by Maradona and it features a signature from the icon himself.

Also, reports say the consigner has ties to a famous Argentine journalist who was given the jersey by Argentina manager César Luis Menotti as a gift after the team returned from the 1982 World Cup in Spain.

The jersey has been in the family’s possession for decades and since interest in Maradona collectibles has been at an all-time high after the soccer legend’s death, they believe it is time to sell.

It is believed the signed Maradona jersey is accompanied by a letter that reveals the chain of possession behind the item from the journalist’s family and also, the famous JSA authentication company has also certified it.

The opening bid is believed to be around $65,000 according to figures on GottaHaveRockAndRoll.com. However, experts say the jersey could eventually be sold around the $200k range.

Although Argentina didn’t win in the 1982 edition of the World Cup, the ‘Hand of God‘ prevailed in 1986 as Maradona and co. went on to win it all 4 years later.

Maradona was well known all around the world. He managed 34 goals for the Argentine senior national team after featuring 91 times in his career. He is also recognized alongside Brazil’s great, Pelé, as FIFA’s Player of the Century.

Maradona sadly passed on in November 2020 aged 60 years after suffering a heart attack.