The “Hand of God”- Diego Maradona’s Controversial Moment in the 1986 World Cup

Photo: Bob Thomas/Getty Image

The most unforgettable moment in World Cup history was brought about by Diego Maradona’s goal in the quarterfinal between Argentina and England, commonly referred to as the “Hand of God” goal in the 1986 FIFA World Cup. It continues to be one of the most debated plays in football highlighting Maradona’s brilliance with the world’s controversy together in a single moment.

Held in Mexico, the 1986 World Cup announced a new, young football star- Diego Maradona. Argentina was overcoming a difficult time period in politics due to the Falklands War against England a few years earlier. The match was scheduled for June 22 in Mexico City at the Estadio Azteca football stadium. Both sides of the match were antsy in the days leading up to the game as tension still lingered between the two countries.

In the previous matches Argentina played in the tournament, the team showed precise form as well as Maradona himself showcasing moments of brilliance in his tactics and technique. Yet, not a single soul could predict the series of events that would occur in the England matchup. On England’s side, the team thrived through talented players like Gary Lineker and Peter Shilton.

The match was underway as Argentina led England 1-0 at the 51-minute mark from a goal by Diego Maradona. The next goal he would score within a few minutes would go down as one of the most controversial goals in all of football and would be known throughout history as “The Hand of God.”

The goalkeeper of England– Peter Shilton– tried to clear the ball. At that moment, Maradona jumped to challenge the ball from the keeper, and with his left hand, he deflected the ball into the back of the net past Shilton. The referees, however, allowed the goal to stand, most likely unsure as to whether Maradona hit the ball with his hand. It was a blatant handball that had gone unnoticed by the officials of the game.

Maradona later stated that the goal was “a little with the head of Maradona, and a little with the hand of God.” Thus, the “Hand of God” term was born as it quickly became a household phrase of the most controversial goals in football history.

Argentina felt triumph Maradona seamlessly bent the rules to his will showcasing the country’s “power.” England saw the goal as a hard pill to swallow. For them, the “Hand of God” was a symbol of injustice as the country felt that the referees' mistake cost them a place in the semifinals.

Many years after the victory of Argentina, Maradona’s controversial goal was the center point for heated debates. England was outraged and the Argentinians saw the goal as a genius play by their captain. Even without the goal, Maradona was the key player in Argentina winning the FIFA World Cup.

The next goal of the game, following after the “Hand of God” was known as the “Goal of the Century.” After Maradona’s handball, he recovered the ball in his half and drove down the field solo gliding past five England players before scoring past Peter Shilton once again. Maradona showcased his immense technical skills while remaining balance and composed as he drove the field.

The complete contrast between his two goals scored- one of controversy and one of brilliance showed a quality unknown to any football player: the ability to shine in moments both flawed and miraculous. This quality drew fans from around the world to Maradona. Earning respect and awe from the football community as he quickly etched his name into the history books.

Both illustrious goals by Maradona sent the team to the semifinals against Belgium and later to the finals where Argentina went on to beat West Germany winning the 1986 World Cup. Maradona’s performance proved himself to be one of the greatest of all time. The “Hand of God” goal represents both unpredictability and passion in football. Eliciting the excitement fans search for when attending a match. The goal was a defining moment in football that will forever be in the history books.