A $200 million football souvenir? Diego Maradona’s jersey, in which the legendary player scored a “divine ruku”, has been sold at auction

Diego Maradona’s jersey has become the most expensive sports memorabilia ever sold. The buyer paid just over £7 million for this artefact, which translates to around £200 million.

Sotheby’s auction house had estimated that Diego Maradona’s jersey would sell for almost double that price.

However, many football fans will understand that the high price here is absolutely justified. In the history of football, we wouldn’t find many more rare and iconic jerseys.

Former England midfielder Steve Hodge swapped jerseys with the Argentine after the quarter-final match. He himself had long delayed selling the jersey, especially after the legendary striker’s death in November 2020, when he found cashing in on Maradona’s name particularly disrespectful.

Now, however, Hodge has been unable to resist the persistent voices of fans that he should sell the jersey after all. Maradona’s intense life was perfectly defined by the moments that took place in the memorable 1986 World Cup quarter-final with England.

Firstly, the Argentine pushed his way through after a “divine” hand, while the referee did not find it suspicious at all that the 1.65-metre tall Diego Maradona managed to jump over England goalkeeper Peter Shilton, who could still use his hands.

A few minutes later, however, the same player came up with a solo effort that is often referred to as the goal of the century. Maradona was able to dribble past the entire England defence, a neat action he was still able to finish with a lob.

With his performance in the tournament, Maradona was eventually able to lead Argentina to the World Cup title.

Source: BBC Sports