A rare Diego Maradona football card from 1979 sold for £165,000 at auction, setting a notable price for memorabilia related to the legendary Argentine player. The card, produced by the Italian company Panini, features a young Maradona in his national team kit before he rose to global fame.
This particular sticker, preserved in mint condition, is among the earliest images of Maradona, captured three years prior to his debut in a World Cup tournament. Maradona’s first World Cup appearance came in 1982 in Spain, and he famously led Argentina to victory in the 1986 tournament in Mexico, where his performance, including the infamous “Hand of God” goal against England, cemented his status as one of football’s greatest icons.
The card was part of a Serie A album released by Panini, which also included various international players from that era. Heritage Auctions, the US-based auction house that handled the sale, noted that the market for sports cards associated with legendary figures remains robust. They highlighted that this item captures Maradona before achieving his World Cup triumphs, offering collectors a glimpse of the burgeoning talent before his legacy was fully realized.
Maradona passed away in 2020 at the age of 60, after experiencing a prolonged period of ill health. The sale of this card underscores the enduring appeal of his early career and legacy in football history.