Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ Jersey Breaks MLB Legend Babe Ruth’s $5.64 Million Record

The 1986 FIFA World Cup witnessed one of the most controversial yet iconic moments in the history of the sport. Argentine legend Diego Maradona found a stunning goal against England during the quarterfinals of the tournament to provide his team with the opening score. So what was controversial? Well, Maradona outrageously used his palm to hit the ball past the England keeper to lodge the ball into the net!

Almost forty-three years following the incident, Maradona’s match-worn jersey from the game has fetched a massive price during the recent auction at Sotheby’s in London. With the record sale, the jersey surpassed the record set by MLB legend Babe Ruth’s jersey from 1928-1930.

Diego Maradona fetches a record price at Sotheby’s auction

Sotheby’s auction has been the go-to place for sports fans around the world. The auction over the years has seen some iconic memorabilia over the years. The recent auction saw Diego Maradona’s iconic jersey from 1986 up for sale.

“Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” jersey from the 1986 World Cup has sold for a world-record price of $9.28 million at an auction at Sotheby’s in London. The final price surpassed the previous records for a match-worn jersey ($5.64 million for Babe Ruth’s 1928-1930 New York Yankees jersey) and for a sports memorabilia piece.”

English midfielder Steve Hodge, who exchanged the jersey with Maradona following the game, kept the item in his possession for a long time. The player denied accepting any bids for the shirt before presenting it in front of the fans on display at the National Football Museum since 2002.

Diego Maradona scored two iconic goals during the game against England in the 1986 World Cup. Both his goals bagged attention for different reasons, while one goal was labeled the ‘Hand of God’, the second became ‘FIFA’s Goal of the Century’!

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Diego Maradona sank England with his ‘Hand of God’ in 1986

Argentine legend Diego Maradona has made history in the 1986 FIFA World Cup Quarterfinals. The Albiceleste were up against England with both sides in good top win the game. However, Maradona turned the tide of the game with his opening goal as he sneakily used his palm to push the ball past England’s Peter Shilton into the back of the net.

Maradona had little to no remorse for his actions following the goal. Diego staged the goal was, “A little from the head of Maradona, and a little with the hand of God.”

However, his second goal stole the show as the Argentine legend dribbled past the entire English defensive line from the half line before chipping the ball over Shilton. FIFA even showcased the goal in history books, calling it the ‘Goal of the Century’.

Which of the two goals from Diego Maradona is your most watched clip? Let us know in the comments below.

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