Argentina launches coin for 2026 World Cup celebrating Maradona’s goal against England

Argentina's Central Bank has launched a coin to celebrate the upcoming 2026 World Cup in North America, though not without causing a little controversy.

The new coin includes a sketch of legendary footballer's Diego Maradona’s famous second goal against England in the Mexico 1986 World Cup.

The head of the limited edition silver coin shows a ball, while the reverse illustrates the insane dribble Maradona embarked upon in his own half, eluding five rivals before scoring what some described as "the goal of the century” in the quarter finals against England.

The controversy comes because in that match, Maradona – then Argentina's number 10 playmaker and captain – scored another famous goal with his hand. The disputed goal became known as "the hand of God."

Argentina's Central Bank said Monday that 2,500 units of the commemorative coin have been issued to be marketed in the local market and that “gold coins with a similar design have also been coined for international marketing.”

The presentation of the coin generated an adverse reactions on social media since the Central Bank failed to even mention Maradona by name.

“It’s all very nice, but why don’t they name the author of the goal?”, wrote a user on X. “The community manager has been dodging the name Maradona just like Diego dodged English players,” joked another.

The Central Bank informed that the coin is made of 925 silver, with a striated edge, weighs 27 grammes and has a 40 mm diameter.

– TIMES/AFP