MADRID (AP) — Spanish soccer team Celta Vigo is desperately searching for Madonna as they search for a 36-year-old soccer shirt worn during a 1990 concert at Balaidos Stadium.
Madonna appeared on stage during her Blonde Ambition tour in July 1990 wearing the club’s true blue collar.
She drew unexpected attention to defender José Manuel Espinosa, whose number 5 she wore, to the delight of locals who claimed the Material Girl as their own.
But the treasured garment’s whereabouts are unknown and after decades of fruitless searches, Celta has asked Madonna, 67, to help locate it for the club’s archives.
“While our uniform was not the only football shirt worn on stage, this iconic image has acquired a different luster over the years,” Celta president Marian Mourinho Terrasso wrote in an open letter to the American icon.
“Over time, we have come 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 and cannot do. At our club, we see ourselves in this mindset. That’s why we continue to hold out hope of finding the clothes you once wore.”
“Do you have it? If you know where it is, or if you would like to join the search to get it back, please contact us via private message.”
The appeal caused an uproar on social media when it was published on Wednesday, with the club doubling down ahead of Friday’s 2-1 home league defeat to Real Madrid, playing a Madonna song before kick-off and posting photos of her on the field and on social media.
Mourinho Terrasso told local media that he hoped the impact would extend to pop stars as well.
“I think the letter got to Madonna and she will respond,” he said.
Madonna burst onto the scene in 1983 with the hit “Holiday,” and went on to have a string of Top 10 hits, including “Like a Virgin,” “Papa Don’t Preach” and “Ray of Light.”
She remains one of the most successful recording artists in history.
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