40 years since the “Hand of God” and the “Goal of the Century”, the afternoon that immortalized Diego Armando Maradona

Home Sport 40 years since the “Hand of God” and the “Goal of the Century”, the afternoon that immortalized Diego Armando Maradona
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June 22, 2026June 22, 2026By Mario Vásquez
40 years since the “Hand of God” and the “Goal of the Century”, the afternoon that immortalized Diego Armando Maradona

This June 22 marks 40 years since one of the most memorable performances in the history of the World Cups. The Azteca Stadium was the scene in 1986 of the definitive consecration of Diego Armando Maradona, who in the same afternoon scored two of the most emblematic goals in soccer: the controversial “Hand of God” and the unforgettable “Goal of the Century.”

That quarterfinal match between Argentina and England was not only marked by the result, but also by the football and historical impact of what happened. Maradona, wearing number 10, assumed the leading role for the albiceleste and, in just four minutes, wrote one of the most memorable pages of the World Cup.

The first action arrived within a minute 51. After a high ball inside the English area, Maradona anticipated goalkeeper Peter Shilton and hit the ball with his left hand to send it into the back of the net.

The referee did not notice the infraction and validated the goal. Some time later, the footballer himself baptized the play as the “Hand of God”, an expression that ended up immortalizing one of the most controversial episodes in the history of the World Cup.

However, what happened next overshadowed any controversy.

Just four minutes later, at 55, Maradona received the ball in his own field and starred in an action that remains among the best plays of all time. In just 11 seconds he left several English footballers behind thanks to a combination of speed, balance, technique and control.

After beating several rivals and also eluding Shilton, he scored in front of the goal to score one of the most memorable goals in the history of football.

The Azteca Stadium exploded. The world too.

That score was later recognized as the “Goal of the Century,” a distinction that summarizes both the beauty of the play and its historical significance. It was the maximum expression of Maradona’s talent and one of the most iconic moments of the World Cups.

That match was much more than a victory for Argentina. It also confirmed Maradona’s leadership in a team that would end up winning the world title days later. His performance at Mexico 1986 is still considered one of the most influential in the history of the tournament.

Four decades later, those two plays continue to be the subject of analysis, admiration and debate. One, because of the controversy it generated; the other, for its brilliant execution. Together they are part of the legacy of Diego Armando Maradona and the collective memory of world football. That afternoon at the Azteca not only one game was decided. A legend was also consolidated.

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