Diego Maradona Hand of God shirt: Steve Hodge to finally auction it after 35 years

Steve Hodge has finally decided to sell Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ shirt from the 1986 World Cup.

The former England midfielder swapped shirts with the Argentinian legend after the quarter-final clash between the two sides. Argentina won the match 2-1 but it will always be remembered for Maradona’s controversial handball goal against Peter Shilton.

It was dubbed the ‘Hand of God’.

Shortly afterwards, Maradona then scored the ‘Goal of the Century’ as he picked up the ball inside his own half and beat several England players before taking it around Shilton to score.

Argentina and Maradona went on to win the World Cup.

While the Argentines were the real winners in 1986, Hodge can also consider himself a bit of a winner for picking up Maradona’s shirt after that quarter-final.

Because 35 years later, he’s ready to auction it off – and it’s expected to fetch at least £4m!

Following Maradona’s death in November 2020, Hodge insisted he wasn’t selling Maradona’s shirt despite all the requests.

“I have had it for 34 years and have never once tried to sell it,” Hodge told BBC Radio Nottingham. “I like having it. It has incredible sentimental value.

“I’ve had people knocking on my door non-stop and the phone’s constantly ringing from every TV and radio station, and even foreign stations.

“It has been uncomfortable and it hasn’t been nice. I have seen articles on the internet and there has been a bit of flak flying around saying I wanted a million or two million and am hawking it around for money.

“I find it disrespectful and totally wrong. It’s not for sale. I am not trying to sell it.”

But now, Hodge is willing to part with the shirt in the hope of getting more than £4m for it.

Brahm Wachter, head of streetwear and modern