Diego Maradona’s Hand of God Jersey Fetches Record-Breaking $9.3 MillionDiego Maradona’s Hand of God Jersey Fetches Record-Breaking $9.3 Million In a historic auction, the iconic blue jersey worn by Argentine soccer legend Diego Maradona during the infamous “Hand of God” match has sold for a staggering $9.3 million. The sale shattered all previous records for sports memorabilia. The ‘Hand of God’ Controversy The jersey dates back to the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal match between Argentina and England. In the second half, Maradona scored two goals against England goalkeeper Peter Shilton. The first goal, known as the “Hand of God,” was a controversial moment where Maradona used his hand to punch the ball into the net. The referee allowed the goal to stand, despite protests from England, and it ultimately helped Argentina win the match 2-1. The Jersey’s Value The historical significance of the jersey, coupled with Maradona’s iconic status as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, has made it an immensely valuable collector’s item. In the years leading up to the auction, the jersey was owned by former England midfielder Steve Hoddle, who swapped shirts with Maradona after the match. The Auction The auction was conducted by Sotheby’s in London on Wednesday, May 4, 2022. Bidding opened at $5 million and quickly escalated to record-breaking levels. The winning bid of $9.3 million was placed by an anonymous buyer. The sale marks a new milestone in the value of sports memorabilia and underscores the enduring legacy of Diego Maradona. The jersey will now become a prized possession for the collector who purchased it.
