The jersey worn by legendary Argentinian forward Diego Maradona in a 2-1 win against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals has been sold for $9.28 million. Maradona scored both goals for Argentina in that game including his “Hand of God” goal.
Auction house Sotheby’s confirmed the sale on Wednesday. According to their official announcement, Maradona’s jersey is now the most expensive piece of sports memorabilia in the world. The previous record was held by 1892’s original Olympic Games Manifesto which fetched $8.8 million back in 2019.
The two goals Diego Maradona scored in this jersey are considered among the most iconic ever scored on the soccer field. The first was nicknamed “Hand of God” as Maradona used his left hand to get the ball past England’s goalie Peter Shilton. Despite this being against soccer rules, the goal was allowed as the referee believed Maradona scored a header.
The second goal was nicknamed The Goal of the Century and is now considered arguably the greatest solo effort in history. Just four minutes after “Hand of God,” Maradona took the ball inside his own half, dribbled through the entire England squad, fainted Shilton, and delivered the ball into the net.
After the match was concluded, England international Steve Hodge swapped jerseys with Maradona. He kept it in his possession until 2002 when he loaned it to the National Football Museum. Hodge announced his intention to sell the jersey in early April after previously refusing multiple bids from prospective buyers.
