Franco Baresi Autograph – Vintage Nike Shin Guard – COA Included

A rare and unusual piece: Franco Baresi's autograph on a vintage Nike shin guard

A vintage Nike shin guard, presumably dating back to the 1980s or 1990s, made of molded fiberglass with the famous black Swoosh printed in the center and the internal label "Fiberglass Technology OSFA", confirming the construction technology of the time. A game accessory that is difficult to find in such condition today, distinguished by its rarity compared to more common photographic supports or collectible jerseys. It is important to note that this shin guard was never owned or worn by Franco Baresi in a match, but was acquired as a vintage accessory and subsequently autographed by the champion. The original autograph is affixed with a red marker on the upper part, large and clearly legible. Excellent condition, material intact despite the age of the piece.

The Captain: Franco Baresi

Franco Baresi (Travagliato, May 8, 1960), captain of AC Milan from 1982 until his retirement in 1997, is considered one of the strongest defenders in the history of world football. With AC Milan, he won six Scudetti, three European Cups, and two Intercontinental Cups, establishing himself as an absolute symbol of loyalty and leadership for an entire generation of Rossoneri fans. His number 6 was retired by the club at the end of his career, a tribute reserved for very few captains in the history of Italian football. A game accessory like the shin guard, while not directly linked to his on-field career, concretely recalls the typical equipment of a defender of his era, making this autograph a curious and original piece for football memorabilia enthusiasts.

COA Certificate of Authenticity

This autograph comes with a free MTM Letter of Authenticity (LOA) and a COA Certificate of Authenticity issued exclusively by independent third-party certifying bodies among the most authoritative in the world in the collecting sector (PSA, JSA, Beckett, Epperson, Autograph COA or Associazione Autografia) — both included in the price.

What is an autographed vintage sports accessory?

An autographed vintage sports accessory is a period object related to game equipment, such as a shin guard or a piece of technical clothing, on which a champion places their original signature without the object actually having been used in a match. These are particularly sought-after pieces precisely because of their rarity on the market compared to photographs or jerseys, which are much more common in sports collecting. The value of the autograph is nevertheless guaranteed through the same verification criteria applied to any other medium: the pressure of the stroke, the naturalness of the graphic gesture, and third-party certification.

Authenticity and MTM guarantee

MTM Memorabilia is the Italian reference point for demanding collectors of authentic sports memorabilia. Each piece is selected with rigorous quality and provenance criteria by our experts. The originality of the item is guaranteed directly by MTM, while the provenance and veracity of the autograph are declared by the included MTM Letter of Authenticity (LOA). All shipments are made with rigid, shockproof, and moisture-proof packaging to ensure maximum protection during transport. Express courier with delivery within 24/72 hours of payment confirmation, for both Italy and abroad.