The Hand of God: Maradona's Most Iconic Goal and the Story Behind It

There are goals that win games, and then there are goals that become legends. On June 22, 1986, in Mexico City, Diego Armando Maradona scored a goal that would echo through football history — not for its beauty, but for its controversy. They called it the Hand of God.

This is not just the story of a goal. It’s the story of a man, a nation, a rivalry, and the moment when football became myth.

Context: Argentina vs. England, World Cup 1986

The quarter-final of the 1986 FIFA World Cup between Argentina and England was more than a football match. Just four years earlier, the two countries had fought the Falklands War, leaving political and emotional scars. When they met at the Estadio Azteca, tensions were high. The world was watching.

Diego Maradona, already regarded as one of the finest players in the world, was about to deliver a performance that would define his career — and football itself.

The Hand of God Goal

Known worldwide as the Hand of God, or La Mano de Dios in Spanish, this moment has become one of the most iconic and debated events in football history.**

In the 51st minute, with the score still 0-0, Maradona danced past a couple of English players and attempted a quick one-two. The ball was deflected high into the box, and as it descended, Maradona challenged England’s goalkeeper Peter Shilton.

What happened next stunned everyone. Despite being much shorter than Shilton, Maradona rose into the air and used his left hand to punch the ball into the net. The referee didn’t see the handball, and the goal was given. Maradona would later say it was scored "a little with the head of Maradona, and a little with the hand of God."

The English players protested furiously. The crowd was in disbelief. The replay made it obvious — it was a handball. But the decision stood.

Just Four Minutes Later: The Goal of the Century

As if to balance the controversy, Maradona scored again — and this time, there was no doubt. Picking up the ball in his own half, he dribbled past five English players and slotted it past the goalkeeper. It was pure genius, later voted Goal of the Century by FIFA.

Within just a few minutes, Maradona had shown the two sides of football: the cunning and the divine.

The Impact on Football History 

The Hand of God goal became one of the most talked-about moments in football. For some, it was an unforgivable act of cheating. For others, especially in Argentina, it was a brilliant moment of revenge, not just in football but in history.

Maradona's dual performance — the controversial goal and the masterpiece — helped cement his status as a football god. Argentina would go on to win the World Cup, and Maradona would lift the trophy as captain and national hero.

Symbolism, Legacy, and Controversy 

The goal represents more than just football. It’s about politics, identity, and defiance. Maradona became a symbol of resistance, especially for the people of Argentina who saw the goal as poetic justice after the war.

Even decades later, The Hand of God sparks debates, fuels documentaries, and inspires art. The image of Maradona, leaping with a clenched fist and wide eyes, has become immortal.

Maradona and Urban Football 

At Urban Football Week, we see Maradona’s story as more than football — it's street, it's soul, it's survival. That moment, controversial and unforgettable, captures the raw essence of the game we love: unpredictable, emotional, and deeply human.

Our passion for football’s most iconic stories lives in our collection of vintage shirts, designs, and tributes to players like Maradona. Because football is not just played — it’s remembered.

Conclusion 

The Hand of God is one of those rare football moments that lives far beyond the field. It tells a story of rivalry, redemption, and rebellion. It reminds us that football is not just about rules and results — it's about people, passion, and power.

Discover our vintage football shirt collection inspired by legendary moments like Maradona’s 1986 World Cup.

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