If I could apologise and go back and change history I would do. But the goal is still a goal, Argentina became world champions and I was the best player in the world.

Diego Maradona’s quote reflects his acknowledgment of controversy surrounding one of the most famous moments in football history—his “Hand of God” goal against England in the 1986 World Cup. By saying, “If I could apologise and go back and change history I would do,” Maradona admits regret over the act of scoring with his hand, an illegal move that went unpunished by referees. However, he immediately balances this by affirming the legitimacy of Argentina’s ultimate goal: winning the tournament.

The meaning of the statement lies in its tension between personal accountability and national pride. Maradona admits that the incident was controversial, yet he frames it as only one part of a larger story in which Argentina became world champions. He emphasizes that despite the disputed goal, his performance—including the brilliant “Goal of the Century” in the same match—secured his place as the best player in the world at the time. His words suggest that history, even with its blemishes, is defined by outcomes as much as by controversies.

The origin of this quote comes from Maradona’s reflections later in life, as he revisited the defining moments of his career. The 1986 World Cup was the pinnacle of his achievements, cementing him as one of football’s greatest icons. However, the “Hand of God” became inseparable from his legacy, sparking decades of debate. In addressing it, Maradona balanced apology with defiance, recognizing the controversy while still celebrating the triumph and his personal brilliance.

Ultimately, Maradona’s words capture the complexity of sporting legacy. They show how greatness is often intertwined with imperfection, and how a single act can become both a source of criticism and legend. His statement reflects the duality of his career: flawed yet extraordinary, controversial yet unforgettable. In the end, he affirms that both history and his place in it were defined by victory and undeniable talent.