Diego Maradona’s controversial 1986 World Cup goal scored with his hand—one of soccer’s most infamous and celebrated moments.
The Notorious Goal
On June 22, 1986, in the World Cup quarterfinals, Argentina faced England in Mexico City. In the 51st minute, Diego Maradona leapt and punched the ball into the net with his left hand. Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser didn’t see it—goal allowed. Maradona later claimed it was “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God.”
Goal of the Century
Four minutes later, Maradona scored what FIFA later named the “Goal of the Century”—dribbling past five England players from midfield in a breathtaking solo run. The juxtaposition—cheating followed by brilliance—defined Maradona’s genius and controversy. Argentina won 2-1 and went on to win the World Cup.
Cultural Legacy
The Hand of God goal became soccer’s most debated moment. To Argentinians, especially post-Falklands War (1982), it was poetic justice against England. To English fans, it was cheating. Maradona never apologized, embracing the mythology. His 2020 death sparked renewed discussion of both goals’ legacy.
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