Spanish soccer club pens open letter to Madonna in search for jersey in 'iconic' 1990 photo

VIGO, Spain — Celta Vigo have taken the unusual step of publishing an open letter to global pop icon Madonna, appealing for help in recovering the club’s light-blue No. 5 jersey she wore during a 1990 concert at Estadio de Balaídos.

The La Liga outfit, currently sixth in the table, described the photograph of Madonna performing in the shirt as “an iconic image in the history of both the club and the city.” The garment originally belonged to former Celta defender Juan Manuel Espinosa, who passed away last October.

The concert, staged in July 1990 as part of Madonna’s Blonde Ambition tour, has lingered in local folklore for more than three decades. Club president Marian Mourino addressed the 67-year-old singer directly in the letter, underscoring the emotional resonance of the moment.

“This beloved memory still lives among our supporters,” Mourino wrote. “The photograph of you 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.”

Celta revealed that private efforts to locate the jersey have failed since the performance, prompting the public appeal. Mourino invited Madonna to share any information about the shirt’s whereabouts, adding: “This search is an act of memory, a symbol of part of the emotional heritage of our club and what it stands for.”

The club will also honor Madonna on Friday before hosting Real Madrid, promising “a gesture of affection” inside the stadium.

Celta has spent 14 consecutive seasons in Spain’s top flight and twice qualified for the Europa League during that span. They trail leaders Barcelona by 24 points and sit 11 points adrift of the Champions League places.

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