Maradona’s infamous ‘Hand of God’ ball sells for £2.5m
The match ball used when Diego Maradona scored his infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal for Argentina against England at the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico has been sold for £2.5 million.
The historic ball, which was in use in a quarterfinal game between England and Argentina at the Azteca Stadium, became one of football’s most iconic artefacts following the controversial goal that helped Maradona and his teammates secure a 2-1 victory in the game.
According to reports, the ball had been expected to fetch nearer $10m (£7.3m) but it was eventually sold to the highest bidder for $3.3m (£2.5m) at Heritage Auctions in the United States on Saturday.
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“It’s a true one-of-one item. Arguably the most significant soccer item that exists,” said Mike Provenzale, specialist auctioneer at Heritage.
Ali Bin Nasser, the Tunisian referee who missed the handball and allowed the goal, kept the ball for 35-years. He originally sold it to a collector in 2022 for $2.37 million ($1.74 million) at the time.
The sale of the iconic ball further highlights the enduring value of memorabilia connected to one of football’s most celebrated and controversial moments whipped up by the late football maverick, Diego Maradona.
