Maradona’s iconic Jersey sold for N3.8 billion

The jersey that Argentina football legend Diego Maradona wore while scoring twice against England in the 1986 World Cup, including the infamous “hand of God” goal, was auctioned for $9.3 million (about 3,861,267,000.00).

Sotheby said Seven bidders vied for the garment in an auction that began April 20 and ended Wednesday morning.

“This historic shirt is a tangible reminder of an important moment not only in the history of sports but in the history of the 20th century,” Sotheby’s head of streetwear and modern collectibles, Brahm Wachter said in a statement after the sale.

“This is arguably the most coveted football shirt to ever come to auction, and so it is fitting that it now holds the auction record for any object of its kind,” he said.

The jersey had been owned by opposing midfielder Steve Hodge, who swapped his jersey with Maradona after England lost 2-1.

THE NATION/Mercy Chukwudiebere