Recently, Claudia Villafañe, the ex-wife of the late football legend Diego Maradona, revealed a stunning surprise during her appearance on a cooking show. She displayed the blue jersey with the number 10 that Maradona famously wore during the 1986 World Cup match against England, where he scored two iconic goals. This revelation has sparked discussions about the jersey's authenticity and its fate after being auctioned for a staggering $9 million.

Villafañe confidently claimed that the jersey she presented is the original, showing its wear and tear over the years. The story behind this jersey is as captivating as the match itself. Just days before the match against England, the Argentine team found themselves in a predicament: they lacked a suitable alternative jersey as England opted to wear their traditional white. This led to a frantic search in the streets of Mexico City for a blue jersey that would meet the team's needs.

According to Villafañe, the Argentine delegation had to scramble to find a lightweight jersey that could withstand the heat and humidity of the Azteca Stadium. After much effort, they found two models from Le Coq Sportif, but the coach, Carlos Bilardo, was initially unconvinced. It was Maradona's endorsement of one of the jerseys that ultimately sealed the deal.

In a remarkable twist of fate, the jersey became a symbol of national pride after Maradona scored his infamous 'Hand of God' goal and the spectacular second goal, often referred to as the 'Goal of the Century.' Villafañe also revealed that she meticulously keeps track of all of Maradona's jerseys, including the one worn during this historic match, which is cataloged as number '081.'

Complicating matters, the jersey was auctioned by Sotheby's in May 2022 for approximately $9 million, making it the most expensive sports jersey ever sold. However, there remains confusion about whether the jersey Villafañe presented is the same one that was auctioned. Villafañe insists it is the original, while others have raised doubts, claiming it may not be the jersey worn during the second half of the match.

As the Argentine national team prepares for another match against England in the 2026 World Cup, the legacy of Maradona's blue jersey continues to captivate fans and spark debates. The story of this jersey is not just about football; it represents a moment of national pride and the enduring legacy of one of the greatest players in history.