Diego Maradona 1986 FIFA World Cup Semifinal Match Worn and Signed Argentina Shirt | 2 Goals

From the collection of Jean Marie Pfaff.

Held at the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 25, 1986 with nearly 115,000 in attendance, 1986 World Cup semifinal match between Argentina and Belgium pitted two of the best teams in the world against each other in a quest for a place in the final.

Diego Maradona entered the semifinals coming off of one of the most famous games in football history where he scored the ‘Hand of God’ goal and the ‘Goal of the Century’ in the quarterfinal against England. Maradona had already etched his name in World Cup history with unforgettable performances throughout the tournament, and the semifinal match only added to his growing legend. If it wasn’t already apparent Argentina was destined for World Cup glory behind Maradona’s brilliance, the semifinal would leave little doubt. 

While many will remember his now infamous performance in the quarterfinal, it was the semifinal that is now considered to be the true exemplar of Maradona at the peak of his powers. After a deadlocked first half which ended at 0-0, Maradona imposed his will on the game to begin the second half. He scored 2 goals in the 51st and 63rd minutes, both of which showcased his sublime ability to bewilder defenders and put the ball in the back of the net.  

Reflecting on the match in 2022, Stuart James of the New York Times wrote:

“By the end of it all, Maradona had registered seven attempts on goal and created six chances — more than in any other game at that World Cup — and the Belgium players were stumbling around in a daze, looking like a team in need of smelling salts.

Maradona, quite simply, was unplayable.”

As fate would have it, Argentina would go on to win the game 2-0 on the back of Maradona’s effort and beat West Germany in the final 3-2 in arguably the most memorable World Cup of all time. Maradona would be awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, on his way to becoming what many believe to be the greatest footballer ever. 

After the semifinal, Maradona swapped shirts with Belgian Goalkeeper, Jean-Marie Pfaff, whose collection the shirt has remained in since. 

Sotheby’s is pleased to present the match worn shirt that Maradona wore in the second half of the 1986 World Cup Semifinal, en route to an Argentina victory. 

The shirt is accompanied by a MeiGray Photomatch Letter with regards to match use. A letter from James Spence Authentication accompanies the lot in regards to the signature.

Going Deeper | Diego Maradona

Diego Maradona, born on October 30, 1960, in Villa Fiorito, a poor suburb of Buenos Aires, Argentina, rose from humble beginnings to become one of the greatest footballers in history. His life and legacy are a testament to his unparalleled skill, charisma, and the complex journey he navigated on and off the field.

Maradona's talent was evident from a young age, and he quickly rose through the ranks of Argentine football. He made his professional debut at age 15 for Argentinos Juniors and later moved to Boca Juniors, where he showcased his extraordinary dribbling abilities, vision, and goal-scoring prowess.

Internationally, Maradona's career reached its zenith during the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. It was here that he delivered two of the most iconic moments in football history. In the quarter-final against England, he scored both the infamous "Hand of God" goal, where he controversially punched the ball into the net, and the stunning "Goal of the Century," dribbling past several English players to score a mesmerizing solo goal. These moments encapsulated his genius and cemented his status as a football deity.

Beyond his World Cup heroics, Maradona's club career included stints with FC Barcelona and Napoli, where he achieved legendary status. At Napoli, he led the club to its first-ever Serie A titles in 1987 and 1990, becoming an adored figure in Naples and a symbol of hope for the working-class populace of southern Italy.

Off the field, Maradona remained a larger-than-life figure, known for his outspokenness on social and political issues and his unwavering support for the underprivileged. He used his fame to advocate for causes he believed in, including children's rights and social justice.

Diego Maradona passed away on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60, leaving behind a legacy that transcends football. He remains an enduring symbol of resilience, creativity, and the indomitable spirit that defines the beautiful game. His impact on football culture and the hearts of fans across the globe ensures that his legend will endure for generations to come, solidifying his place among the greatest athletes of all time.