Goal of the Century

Lore & Background

Maradona later said of the goal: 'I made the play to give it to Valdano, but when I got to the area they surrounded me and I had no space. Therefore, I had to continue the play and finish it myself.' He also complimented the English team's fair play, stating: 'I don't think I could have done it against any other team because they all used to knock you down; they are probably the noblest in the world.' In 2002, the goal was voted 'Goal of the Century' as part of the buildup to the 2002 FIFA World Cup tournament on the FIFA website. It beat a goal scored by England's Michael Owen against Argentina in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, which came second, whilst another 1986 FIFA World Cup goal by Maradona, from the semi-final match against Belgium, came fourth. In Spanish-speaking countries, this goal is often associated with the passionate live commentary by Uruguayan journalist Víctor Hugo Morales.

In Their Own Story

The air in Mexico City was thick with humidity and history. As Diego touched the ball near his own penalty area, time seemed to fracture. The English defenders closed in like a wall, yet space opened before him, guided by an instinct older than the game itself. He shifted left, then right, slipping through gaps that shouldn't have existed; one defender lunged and missed, another charged and was brushed aside. The roar of the crowd faded into a singular hum as he approached the box. With Peter Shilton rushing out, Diego didn't shoot with power; he simply lifted the ball over the keeper's head, watching it roll gently into the net. Silence held for a heartbeat before the stadium erupted—a sound that would echo through decades.

Reader's Guide

The goal is celebrated as a masterpiece of individual skill and is frequently cited as the greatest goal in World Cup history. Maradona's 60-yard, 10-second dash past multiple defenders is studied by football analysts and fans alike. The goal is also remembered for its contrast with the controversial 'Hand of God' goal scored just minutes earlier, highlighting both the brilliance and the cunning of Maradona's performance.

Did You Know?

• Maradona dribbled past four English outfield players: Peter Beardsley, Peter Reid, Terry Butcher (twice), and Terry Fenwick.
• The goal was voted 'Goal of the Century' on the FIFA website in 2002.
• Maradona said he intended to pass to Jorge Valdano but continued because he was surrounded.
• The goal made the score 2–0 to Argentina; England later scored through Gary Lineker to make it 2–1.