The jersey worn by Diego Maradona, the late Argentine football legend when he scored the infamous “hand of God” goal against England in the 1986 World Cup, is to be auctioned off later this month, Sotheby’s announced Wednesday.
Maradona had scored twice against England on the day, including the goal he scored with his hand.
The blue number 10 shirt has been owned since the end of the controversial World Cup encounter by opposing midfielder Steve Hodge, who swapped his jersey with Maradona after England lost 2-1.
The quarter-final showdown, one of the most memorable in World Cup history, held particular significance for Argentina as it was played only four years after they lost the Falklands war.
The match became etched in football folklore for Maradona’s two goals — one notorious and one sublime — in Mexico City’s seething Aztec Stadium.
