Spanish soccer club Celta Vigo have written an open letter to pop legend Madonna, asking the artist for her help in retrieving one of the team’s jerseys that she wore while performing at its stadium in 1990.
Celta, who plays in La Liga, the top tier of Spanish football, described the shot of Madonna wearing the club’s light blue home shirt as an “iconic image in the history of both the club and the city”.
The concert took place in July 1990 at Celta’s Balaidos Stadium as part of Madonna’s Blonde Ambition tour. The jersey bore the No. 5 of former player Juan Manuel Espinosa, who died in October last year.
🔍 We’re looking for the jersey that @Madonna wore at her 1990 concert in Vigo!
Join the search on https://t.co/FTm5SIcWqI
— Celta English (@CeltaEnglish) March 4, 2026
Celta said that it has been looking for the jersey privately for years, though it has never been recovered and decided to open the search to the public, inviting them to contribute any relevant information.
In the open letter to Madonna, the club’s president Marian Mourino explained the impact that the moment had on the club’s fanbase and asked the 67-year old if she still had the jersey, or if she knew where it was.
“This beloved memory still lives among our supporters,” Mourino wrote. “The photograph of you (Madonna) wearing our shirt has become a myth and is now part of our history which is written often beyond the limits of the football pitch.
“Many see this as a simple coincidence. I like to think that nothing happens by chance.
“Although ours was not the only football shirt you ever wore on stage, this iconic image has grown to shine differently as years have passed. Over time we came to better understand what you stood for back then: questioning established norms and standing up to those who try to tell you what you can or cannot do.
“This search is an act of memory, a symbol of part of the emotional heritage of our club and what it stands for,” she added.
The club has also confirmed that they will dedicate “a gesture of affection” to Madonna on Friday before its home game against Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Celta is sixth in La Liga, 11 points off the top four and 24 points behind leaders Barcelona. The club has enjoyed a 14-year spell in the top division, qualifying for the Europa League (the second tier of European international club competition) twice in that time.
