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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Christopher Bucktin

Maradona's 'Hand of God' World Cup shirt expected to fetch more than £4 million at auction

The shirt Diego Maradona wore in which he scored the 'Hand of God' and the 'Goal of the Century' is estimated to fetch more than £4 million when it goes under the hammer.

The iconic blue top has been in the possession of former midfielder Steve Hodge, who exchanged his jersey with the Argentinian following England's 2 -1 defeat in the 1986 World Cup.

During the game, the then Tottenham Hotspur player unintentionally flicked the ball into the air for Maradona to beat a scrambling goalkeeper Peter Shilton with his hand.

The player later claimed it was the "hand of God" when replays showed he punched the ball into the back of the net.

The game came four years after the UK had defeated Argentina in the Falklands War and took on greater significance for both countries.

Diego Maradona wore the shirt when he scored the 'Hand of God' and the 'Goal of the Century' (Bob Thomas Sports Photography via Getty Images)

Now the shirt is has been placed up for auction by Sotheby's with bidding from April 20 to May 4.

If it surpasses what is expected, it could become the most expensive sporting jersey in history, beating Babe Ruth's Yankee top which once fetched £4.3 million.

Discussing the sale Hodge, 59, said: "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.

"It was an absolute privilege to have played against one of the greatest and most magnificent football players of all time.

"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."

Following Maradona's death in November 2020, Hodge fended off various enquiries asking if the shirt, he swapped at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City was for sale.

"I have had it for 34 years and have never once tried to sell it," he said.

"I like having it. It has incredible sentimental value.

"I've had people knocking on my door non-stop and the phone's constantly ringing from every TV and radio station, and even foreign stations.

"It has been uncomfortable and it hasn't been nice. I have seen articles on the internet and there has been a bit of flak flying around saying I wanted a million or two million and am hawking it around for money.

It could become the most expensive sporting jersey in history (PA)

"I find it disrespectful and totally wrong. It's not for sale. I am not trying to sell it."

It's the first time the shirt has been up for auction, having previously been on display at the National Football Museum in Manchester, England.

"The Hand of God is truly a singular moment not only in the history of sports, but in the history of the 20th century," said Brahm Wachter, Sotheby's Head of Streetwear and Modern Collectables, said.

"The moment resonated far beyond the world of football, coming soon after the Falklands conflict, and has, in turn, inspired books, films, and documentaries. Maradona is now remembered as one of the greatest to ever play the game of football -- and this particular game is an instrumental part of his legacy.

"Of course, not only was 'The Hand of God' goal scored in this game, but also, the 'Goal of the Century' which is widely considered to be one of the greatest individual goals of all time," Wachter added.

The shirt will be on sale online from April 20 to May 4 and will be displayed at Sotheby's in London for the duration of the auction.

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