Diego Maradona: ‘Hand of God’ shirt may sell for more than US$5M
The shirt Diego Maradona wore in the course of the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal towards England — the match through which he scored the ‘Hand of God’ and the ‘Purpose of the Century’ — is estimated to fetch greater than £4 million (US$5.25 million) at public sale.
The long-lasting blue jersey has been within the possession of former England midfielder Steve Hodge, who exchanged shirts with Maradona after Argentina’s 2-0 victory.
Through the recreation, Hodge unintentionally flicked the ball into the air for Maradona to attain the notorious ‘Hand of God’ purpose.
“The Hand of God is really a singular second not solely within the historical past of sports activities, however within the historical past of the twentieth century,” stated Brahm Wachter, Head of Streetwear and Trendy Collectables at Sotheby’s, the public sale home the place the shirt is about to be offered.
“The second resonated far past the world of soccer, coming quickly after the Falklands battle, and has in flip impressed books, movies, and documentaries. Maradona is now remembered as one of many biggest to ever play the sport of soccer — and this specific recreation is an instrumental a part of his legacy.
“In fact, not solely was ‘The Hand of God’ purpose scored on this recreation, but in addition, the ‘Purpose of the Century’ which is broadly thought of to be one of many biggest particular person objectives of all time,” Wachter added.
Maradona’s shirt is predicted to problem Babe Ruth’s Yankee highway jersey as the most costly match-worn jersey offered at public sale, with the present document $5.64 million.
It is the primary time the shirt has been available on the market, having beforehand been on show on the Nationwide Soccer Museum in Manchester, England.
“I’ve been the proud proprietor of this merchandise for over 35 years, since Diego and I swapped shirts within the tunnel after the famed match,” Hodge stated. “It was an absolute privilege to have performed towards one of many biggest and most luxurious soccer gamers of all time.
“The Hand of God shirt has deep cultural which means to the soccer world, the individuals of Argentina, and the individuals of England and I am sure that the brand new proprietor may have immense satisfaction in proudly owning the world’s most iconic soccer shirt.”
The shirt might be on sale on-line from April 20 to Could 4 and might be displayed at Sotheby’s in London at some point of the public sale.
