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Matchworn Ricardo Peláez 12.10.1997 CAN 🇨🇦 : MEX 🇲🇽 2-2

Manufacturer: ABA Sport

Source: Collector

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Click here to listen to Mexico's national anthem:

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THE COUNTRY

¡Arriba, Arriba! ¡Ándale, Ándale!

(Speedy Gonzales, *1955)

These might have been the first words that introduced me to Mexican culture – or at least a cartoonish stereotype of sombreros, El Mariachi, tequila, la cucaracha and cacti. My second encounter with Mexico might have been Jorge Campos’ flamboyant jerseys during the 1994 World Cup and, four years later, this iconic piece of polyester.

As an eleven-time (and therefore record-)COCACAF Gold Cup winner, the Mexican national team basically had a subscription for the FIFA World Cup and yielded great players like Hugo Sánchez, Rafael Márquez, Luis Hernández, Javier Hernández “Chicharito” and many more.

In 2019 I finally had my third encounter with Mexican culture, when I was able to experience this beautiful country first-hand. And while some of the stereotypes turned out to be true, I wasn’t able to find a mouse with a sombrero and ADHD, however, there was una cucaracha in one of our AirBnBs….

THE SHIRT

What’s there to say, that hasn’t been said about this spectacular shirt? Top 3 stuff right there! (2nd place in BBC’s “Top football shirts to wear before you die list”)

The iconic Aztec calendar inspired design by Mexican manufacturer ABA Sport was allegedly designed within twenty minutes and has since then become an absolute cult kit that fetches ridiculous prices on eBay and such.

After acquiring a replica version of this shirt (which I'm now selling), I've been lucky to find this matchworn longsleeve beauty for a great price!

I was surprised when the jersey arrived and I discovered a strange black ribbon on the left sleeve. After extensive research, I finally found a match photo showing the Mexican national team wearing a long-sleeved jersey with the same black ribbons. I was also able to find out the reason:

the mysterious bands were mourning ribbons worn by the team to commemorate the victims of Hurricane Pauline, which had claimed nearly 500 lives a few days earlier.

The jersey was worn by Ricardo Peláez, who came on as a substitute in the 80th minute.

I am overjoyed to finally own a worn version of what might objectively be the best national team jersey of all time – especially in such a rare version and in absolutely perfect condition!

Mexico wearing the shirt with a black ribbon against Canada in 1997