Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' shirt set to sell for at least £4m at auction

The shirt worn by football legend Diego Maradona when he scored two of the world’s most memorable goals, to knock England out of the 1986 World Cup, is set to be sold at auction.

During the quarter-final, the ball clearly hit the Argentina player‘s arm before nestling in the net for the first goal, which became known as the ‘Hand of God’.

At the time, the forward described the goal as being made “a little with the head of Maradona, and a little with the hand of God”.

The match also saw the footballing great, who died in 2020, score the “goal of the century” when he dribbled past a host of England players before netting against goalkeeper Peter Shilton in a 2-1 victory in Mexico City en route to his team winning the tournament.

The quarter-final came just four years after the UK defeated Argentina in the Falklands War and held a greater significance for both countries as a result.

Midfielder Steve Hodge, who had accidentally flicked the ball to Maradona during the ‘Hand of God’ play, swapped shirts with his rival in the tunnel after the game and has owned it ever since.

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When does it go on sale?

The item has spent the last 20 years on loan at the National Football Museum in Manchester.

Now, the top is expected to sell for at least £4m with people having the chance to buy it at a dedicated auction held by Sotheby’s.

Bidding will open on 20 April and last until 4 May and the public will be able to view the famous item of clothing at the auction house’s New Bond Street gallery in London.

‘The world’s most iconic shirt’

“I have been the proud owner of this item for over 35 years, since Diego and I swapped shirts in the tunnel after the famed match,” Mr Hodge said.

“It was an absolute privilege to have played against one of the greatest and most magnificent football players of all time. It has also been a pleasure to share it with the public over the last 20 years at the National Football Museum, where it has been on display.

“The Hand of God shirt has deep cultural meaning to the football world, the people of Argentina, and the people of England, and I’m certain that the new owner will have immense pride in owning the world’s most iconic football shirt.”

The current record for any shirt worn during a game is held by a baseball jersey worn by New York Yankees star Babe Ruth, which sold for $5.6m (£4.2m) in an auction in 2019.

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