Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ ball heads to US auction
The football that Diego Maradona used to score his infamous “Hand of God” goal during Argentina’s win over England in the 1986 World Cup is expected to sell for US$10 million at a US auction this month. Maradona’s goal in the quarter-final match at the Estadio Azteca saw him punch the ball past the England goalkeeper, with the South Americans ultimately winning 2-1. After the game, the Argentine…
The football used by Diego Maradona to score his infamous "Hand of God" goal during Argentina's victory over England in the 1986 World Cup is set to be auctioned in the United States. The ball is expected to fetch around US$10 million, with the highest bid starting at US$2.5 million from August 21-23 at Heritage Auctions in Texas.
The match, played at Estadio Azteca, resulted in a 2-1 win for Argentina, who ultimately went on to win the World Cup. Maradona, who passed away in November 2020, claimed the goal was "a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God". The ball is also linked to the "Goal of the Century", as Maradona dribbled past several English defenders before scoring the goal.
Dan Imler, vice-president of sports at Heritage Auctions, described it as "easily the most historic ball in the realm of soccer" due to its iconic status. Maradona's jersey from the same match currently holds the record for the most expensive soccer shirt, selling for US$9.3 million. Recent tensions between Argentina and England resurfaced during a semi-final match at this year's World Cup, with Argentina winning before losing the final. Politically, the two nations have a longstanding dispute over the Falkland Islands.
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