Four decades have passed, but the images still seem unreal.
On June 22, 1986, in the quarterfinals of the Mexico World Cup, Diego Maradona took the ball in his own half and produced one of the most memorable plays of all time. In just a few seconds, he left several English players behind, ran more than half the field, and finished past the goalkeeper to score a goal that even today is considered by millions of fans to be the most beautiful in World Cup history.
What is most incredible is that this masterpiece came just minutes after another historic goal: the famous “Hand of God”. Two of the most memorable goals of all time happened in the same match.
FIFA ended up recognizing that play as the “Goal of the Century” after an international vote held among fans from all over the world. And it is not hard to understand why.
Speed, control, balance, change of pace, dribbling, and finishing. In just ten seconds, Maradona produced a play that became a museum piece of football.
Forty years later, the debate remains open. There have been thousands of spectacular goals since then, but for many fans none has managed to surpass that unforgettable run at the Azteca Stadium.
Because some goals win matches. Others end up becoming eternity.
Watch both goals here: