Maradona's Hand of God and Goal of the Century Recalled

In the 1986 World Cup quarter‑final, Argentina’s Diego Maradona scored two of the most famous moments in football history against England. At minute 51 he used his left hand to direct the ball past goalkeeper Peter Shilton, a play later dubbed the “Hand of God”. Maradona later celebrated the goal openly, while teammate Jorge Valdano confirmed the hand was used.

Four minutes after the controversial handball, Maradona produced what is often called the “Goal of the Century”. He dribbled past multiple English defenders—including Terry Butcher, Peter Beardsley and Terry Fenwick—covering half the pitch before slotting the ball past Shilton. The goal was praised for its skill and is remembered as one of the sport’s greatest individual efforts. Former English striker Gary Lineker recalled his astonishment at the play, and Argentine forward Jorge Burruchaga was involved in the build‑up.

The incident remains a touchstone in World Cup lore, symbolising both the controversy and brilliance of Maradona’s career.