40 years on, Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal is still celebrated. But should it be?

In soccer, memorable goals are generally linked to the players who scored them. Few can be recalled without mention of the individual – or even the team – involved. Yet, two goals in one game 40 years ago have attained that status. One is known universally as the “Hand of God,” and the other is widely acknowledged as the “Goal of the Century.” Both were scored by Argentine star Diego Maradona against England in the quarterfinal of the FIFA World Cup at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium on June 22, 1986. The goals, scored just minutes apart, are among a handful that are immediately recognized decades later – and they hold special resonance in Argentina. Their perceived importance was such that when in 2012 Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner inaugurated a “Gallery of Popular Idols” at Casa Rosada, the country’s presidential palace, the exhibit included photos of both goals. But it was the “Hand of God” that stood out, with the iconic capture of Maradona’s outstretched arm punching the ball over England goalkeeper Peter Shilton placed front and center, jumping out at visitors. A year after the Gallery of Popular Idols was installed, I toured it with a group of…

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