Diego Maradona’s iconic “Hand of God” jersey just rewrote the history books when it went to auction earlier this week.
The Argentinian soccer jersey, worn by Maradona during the 1986 World Cup, shattered previous records for sports memorabilia, selling for $9.28M. The auction, which was held at Sotheby’s in London, easily surpassed the previous record of $5.64M for a 1928 Babe Ruth Yankees jersey.
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the shirt is both the most expensive football (soccer) shirt sold at auction as well as the most expensive sports memorabilia sold at auction.
The jersey was worn by Maradona in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal match against England in which he scored both of Argentina’s goals in their 2-1 win. During the match, the now infamous “Hand of God” goal was scored, as it initially appeared as though the striker headed the ball past English goalkeeper Peter Shilton.
However upon further review, it’s quite clear that Maradona’s left hand made contact with the ball prior to it going in. Ultimately, the goal would stand, and Argentina would win the 2nd World Cup in their country’s history.
Adding to the legacy of the controversial tally, the soccer star would later quip that the goal was “a little from the head of Maradona, and a little with the hand of God.”
The previous owner of the jersey was English soccer player Steve Hodge, who reportedly exchanged jerseys with the Argentinian in the stadium tunnel after the match. Hodge had previously lent the shirt to the National Football Museum in Manchester, England where it had been on display for the past 20 years.
Ultimately Hodge felt it was time for him to move on from the famous piece of sports memorabilia, leading to him putting it up for auction with Sotheby’s. “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 buyer, who shelled out the record setting sum, chose to remain anonymous.