The allure of football memorabilia lies in its ability to transport fans back to the unforgettable moments that defined the sport. One such treasure is the authentic match-worn AC Milan shirt, proudly donned by the legendary Marco van Basten during the 1990-1991 season. This piece of football history not only represents the pinnacle of AC Milan's dominance in European football but also commemorates van Basten's exceptional career.
A Legendary Season and Iconic Player
Marco van Basten, often revered as one of the greatest strikers in football history, wore this iconic AC Milan shirt during the 1990-91 season. Known as "San Marco," van Basten's prowess on the field was unmatched, and this shirt symbolizes his contribution to AC Milan's storied legacy. The 1990-91 season was particularly significant for AC Milan, as they played with a distinctive cup emblem on their shirts, marking their status as the reigning European champions.
Design and Features
This shirt is a testament to the classic design elements of the early 90s football kits. Manufactured by Adidas, the shirt features the red and black stripes synonymous with AC Milan. The Mediolanum sponsor logo, a nod to Berlusconi's insurance company, is prominently displayed, along with the prestigious gold star representing AC Milan's ten scudetto victories. An embroidered European Cup beneath the star highlights their triumph in Europe.
The shirt's authenticity is further reinforced by its provenance. Acquired from Christie's auction on March 26, 2003, it comes with the original Certificate of Authenticity (COA), auction booklet, invoice, and a certificate from CharityStars, ensuring its genuine match-worn status.
Historical Matches and Provenance
This match-worn shirt saw action in several key fixtures during the 1990-91 season. Marco van Basten played in notable European matches, including the tense encounters against Club Brugge in the first leg on September 19, 1990, and the second leg on October 3, 1990, where Milan secured a 1-0 victory. Although van Basten did not participate in the matches against Olympique Marseille, the shirt's significance is undiminished, capturing the essence of a season where AC Milan's prowess was on full display.
The shirt's authenticity is visually verified through photo proof and detailed records. Noteworthy is the match against Napoli on October 21, 1991, where van Basten's performance contributed to a 1-1 draw. This shirt, with its short sleeves, is a rare collector's item, distinct from the long-sleeve variants.
For collectors and football enthusiasts, owning this match-worn shirt is akin to possessing a piece of football folklore. The shirt has been meticulously preserved, maintaining its vibrant colors and structural integrity. The original label, featuring Adidas branding and size details, further corroborates its authenticity and era.
Conclusion
This Marco van Basten match-worn AC Milan shirt is more than just a piece of fabric; it's a tangible connection to the golden era of football, a symbol of AC Milan's dominance, and a tribute to one of the greatest players to ever grace the pitch. With its impeccable provenance and historical significance, this shirt is an invaluable addition to any football memorabilia collection.
Add this extraordinary piece to your collection today and relive the glory days of AC Milan and Marco van Basten. Stay updated on new arrivals and exclusive offers by subscribing to our notifications. Don't miss the opportunity to own a piece of football history!
Important Notes
The Christie's booklet contains an error as the shirt is not from the 1991-1992 season as the European Cup was banned from the shirt that season. It does show the same shirt with the cup on it, so verifies it is the same shirt as listed. During the 1990-1991 season this shirt was only used during the European campaign and selected Serie A matches, see the photo proof. Van Basten did not play with short sleeves during any European match, so it must be from a Coppa Italia or Serie A match, probably against Napoli on Sunday 21 October 1990 (1-1) versus Maradona.
