Maradona's "Hand Of God" Jersey Is Auctioned, Predicted To Be Sold At A Price Of IDR 75 Billion

Diego Maradona (Instagram @maradona)

JAKARTA – The jersey worn by Diego Maradona when he scored the "Hand of God" goal against England in the 1986 Cup quarter-finals in Mexico will be auctioned. The shirt is expected to sell for £4 million (IDR 75 billion).

The iconic blue jersey is currently owned by former England international Steve Hodge. He exchanged jerseys with the legendary Argentine star in the dressing room hallway after England lost 2-1 in that match.

Hodge said he was proud to have one of the most sought after memorabilia for football lovers. However, he decided to auction the shirt at Sotheby's auction hall at the end of this month after previously insisting that he did not want to take it off after Maradona's death.

"I have owned it for 34 years and have never once tried to sell it. I love owning it. It has great sentimental value. I have had people knocking on my door non-stop and phones ringing from every TV and radio station, and even foreign television stations," Hodge told BBC Radio.

Maradona's goal against England was crowned the “Goal of the Century” and confirmed his status as one of the greatest superstars Argentina has ever had.

When making the goal Maradona was 25 years old. At that time, apart from scoring the “hand of God” goal, he also scored an iconic second goal with an action that is fondly remembered as one of the legend's greatest goals.

The highly controversial “hand of God” goal was scored by Maradona Hodge, who kicked the ball towards England goalkeeper Peter Shilton. Both Maradona and Shilton jumped for the ball, but Maradona touched it with his left hand which led to the goal without the referee noticing.

After the game, Maradona said that the goal scored was not entirely with his header, but God's intervention. This phrase later became one of the most historic words in football.

Argentina went on to win the World Cup that year. Maradona and his friends succeeded in bringing home their second title in this quadrennial event after defeating West Germany in the final match.