'The Hand of God' Maradona shirt to go up for auction - and it's going to be the most expensive shirt ever

Former England midfielder Steve Hodge isn't remembered as one of the icons of the beautiful game, but he is in possession of one of the most iconic pieces of cloth ever to be associated with the sport. He's got Diego Maradona's match-worn shirt from the iconic 1986 Wold Cup clash in which the Argentine had scored the legendary 'Hand of God' goal.

After Maradona died in November 2020, Hodge said the shirt was not for sale. But after many people had asked to purchase the iconic blue Argentina shirt, it looks like the now-59-year-old Hodge gave in to the pressure and decided to cash in on the sought-after item.

Hodge, who appeared in two World Cups for England and won 24 caps, has been in possession of the shirt since swapping it with Maradona in the tunnel after the 1986 quarter-final which Argentina won 2-1. The quarter-final showdown, one of the most memorable in World Cup history, held particular significance for Argentina as it was played only four years after they lost the Falklands war.

The match became etched in football folklore for Maradona's two goals -- one notorious and one sublime -- in Mexico City's seething Aztec Stadium. The first came shortly after half-time when Hodge, on the edge of the England penalty area, intercepted a pass and flicked the ball back towards goal.

Maradona, running into the box, rose with England's goalkeeper Peter Shilton and punched the ball into the net. England were incensed and complained to officials who, believing Maradona had headed the ball, allowed the goal to stand.

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Auction house Sotheby's said in a statement that it will hold its own public display for the jersey in London, during the online auction scheduled for 20 April to 4 May. The decision of whether to keep it accessible to the public will be up to the winning bidder.

Oscar Garre, a teammate of Maradona in 1986, said that it would be nice to have the jersey in Argentina.

"While many guys have worn the jersey of the national team with much courage, honor and respect, the one of Diego is unique, the most emblematic that football ever had."

All those years later, Maradona is not with us anymore, but the legend lives on - and that legend will drive the value of any Maradona-related item through the roof.

As of today, the most expensive match-worn sports uniform was a shirt worn by New York Yankees baseball legend Babe Ruth, which sold for $5.6m in 2019.