In May 2022, the world of sports collectibles witnessed a landmark moment when one of the most iconic pieces of football history – Diego Armando Maradona’s “Hand of God” jersey, sold at auction for approximately $9.3 million (source: CNN). This staggering price tag made it the most expensive sports memorabilia item ever sold at the time, sparking global headlines and reigniting conversations about one of the most controversial and celebrated moments in World Cup history.

The jersey was worn by Maradona during the legendary 1986 FIFA World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and England, held on June 22, 1986, at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. That match has since become one of the most unforgettable and dissected games in football history, largely due to Maradona’s extraordinary individual performance. Within the span of just four minutes in the second half, Maradona scored two goals that would define his career and elevate him to near-mythical status in the world of sport. The first, famously dubbed the “Hand of God” goal, came when Maradona used his left hand to punch the ball into the net, an act that was missed by match officials but seen clearly by millions of viewers around the world. Despite the controversy, the goal was allowed to stand. Just minutes later, Maradona produced a moment of sheer brilliance. Picking up the ball in his own half, he dribbled past five English defenders and the goalkeeper in a dazzling solo run that would come to be known as the “Goal of the Century.” It was a stunning display of skill, vision, and composure, further cementing Maradona’s reputation as one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen.

The story of the jersey itself is almost as remarkable as the match. After the final whistle, Steve Hodge, a midfielder for England who had played in the game, exchanged shirts with Maradona, a common post-match tradition. Hodge quietly held onto the jersey for over 35 years, during which it was loaned to the National Football Museum in Manchester, but it remained in his private collection. In 2022, Hodge decided to consign the jersey to Sotheby’s in London, where it quickly became the subject of intense international interest. Collectors, fans, and institutions from around the world vied for the opportunity to own a tangible piece of football folklore. When the hammer finally fell, the jersey had fetched an eye-watering $9.3 million, setting a new benchmark for the football memorabilia market. Beyond the record-breaking price, the sale highlighted the deep emotional and historical resonance of sports memorabilia. Maradona’s jersey was more than just a piece of clothing, it was a symbol of national pride, controversy, genius, and legacy. 

 Maradona, who passed away in 2020, remains a towering figure in the global football community. His raw talent, fiery personality, and complex legacy continue to fascinate fans and historians alike. The sale of his “Hand of God” jersey stands not just as a financial milestone, but as a powerful tribute to a man whose influence on the game is still felt decades later.

 As the market for rare sports collectibles grows, artefacts like this jersey serve as reminders of the moments that transcend the playing field, they become moments that are part of global cultural memory.