Maradona’s 1986 ‘Hand of God’ shirt to sell for £4 million

Late football legend Diego Maradona’s DIEGO  1986 Argentina World Cup "Hand of God" shirt is expected to sell for more than £4 million at auction.

The late legendary icon scored both goals against England in the quarter-final.

Former England midfielder Steve Hodge has been in possession of the shirt for the last 35 years

However, his second of the game went on to be dubbed the "Goal of the Century."

Maradona's iconic blue No10 shirt has been in the possession of former Three Lions midfielder Steve Hodge.

Hodge swapped shirts with Maradona after the heartbreaking loss.

The 59-year-old didn't have the best of games.

In fact, Hodge unintentionally flicked the ball into the air for Maradona to score the infamous "Hand of God" goal.

Hodge 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."

The shirt is expected to fetch a staggering £4m at the Streetwear and Modern Collectables auction house, which would rival Babe Ruth's Yankee road jersey as the most expensive match-worn shirt sold at auction.

The current record sits at just over £4.3m.

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

"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."

Since Maradona's death in November 2020, a number of his old possessions have gone up for auction.

Two of his two old houses and three former cars were listed.