R143m paid for Maradona jersey

NEW YORK: The jersey that Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona wore when scoring twice against England in the 1986 World Cup, including the infamous “hand of God” goal, was auctioned for $9.3 million (R143m), a record for any item of sports memorabilia, Sotheby’s said yesterday. Seven bidders vied for the garment.

The jersey had been owned since the end of the controversial encounter by opposing midfielder Steve Hodge, who swopped his jersey with Maradona after the game.

The previous record for a gameworn shirt from any sport was $5.6m, set in 2019 for a jersey Babe Ruth wore while at the New York Yankees.