The iconic football used by Diego Maradona for his controversial ‘Hand of God’ goal during the 1986 World Cup has been sold at auction for £2.5 million. The ball was part of the quarter-final match between Argentina and England, where Maradona famously used his hand to score past goalkeeper Peter Shilton, securing a 2-1 victory for Argentina.

Following the match, Maradona himself humorously attributed the goal to divine intervention, stating it was scored “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God.” This legendary moment occurred in the same game where Maradona also scored what is widely regarded as the ‘goal of the century,’ a spectacular solo effort weaving through five England players before finding the net.

While the Adidas Azteca ball, authenticated as the only one used in the match, ultimately sold for $3.3 million (£2.5 million) at Heritage Auctions in the United States, its final price fell short of the $10 million (£7.3 million) it was initially expected to achieve. The ball had been in the possession of Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser, who officiated the 1986 game, for over three decades. Bin Nasser had previously sold the ball in 2022 for $2.37 million (£1.74 million), but a subsequent attempt to sell it in 2023 did not meet the reserve price.

This sale follows the record-breaking auction of Maradona’s jersey from the same match, which sold for £7.1 million in 2022, highlighting the enduring global fascination with the legendary footballer and his pivotal moments in sporting history.

Key Takeaways

• The football used by Diego Maradona for the 'Hand of God' goal in the 1986 World Cup sold for £2.5 million.
• The ball was officiated by Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser, who kept it for over 30 years before selling it.
• Despite expectations, the final sale price was significantly lower than the anticipated $10 million, though still a substantial sum.

Editor’s Analysis & Impact

The sale of Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ ball underscores the immense commercial value attached to iconic sporting memorabilia. While the final price didn’t reach the highest projections, £2.5 million is a significant figure, reflecting the enduring legacy of Diego Maradona and the unforgettable nature of the 1986 World Cup match. This event highlights a growing trend in the collectibles market, where unique pieces of sports history are commanding increasingly high prices. The disparity between expected and actual sale price might suggest a maturing market or a recalibration of valuations for such items, but it certainly keeps the focus on the intersection of sports, culture, and high-value auctions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was the 'Hand of God' goal?
A: The 'Hand of God' goal was scored by Diego Maradona during the 1986 World Cup quarter-final match between Argentina and England. He controversially used his hand to punch the ball into the net past the English goalkeeper, Peter Shilton.

Q: Who originally owned the ball?
A: The ball was collected by the referee of the match, Ali Bin Nasser from Tunisia, at the end of the game. He kept it for over three decades before deciding to sell it.

Q: Why was the ball expected to sell for more?
A: The ball was considered a unique and highly significant piece of football history, with expectations of fetching up to $10 million. However, it ultimately sold for $3.3 million (£2.5 million), indicating that market demand or valuation expectations may have shifted.