Diego Maradona's Iconic 'Hand of God' World Cup Ball Fetches £2.5 Million at Auction

The legendary football used by Diego Maradona to score his controversial "Hand of God" goal during the 1986 World Cup has been sold at auction for £2.5 million ($3.3 million). The sale, conducted by Heritage Auctions in the United States, marks a significant moment for sports memorabilia, as the ball represents one of the most debated and iconic moments in football history. While the final price was substantial, it fell short of the initial bullish expectations, which had estimated the item could fetch as much as $10 million (£7.3 million).

The ball was put up for sale by Ali Bin Nasser, the Tunisian referee who officiated the infamous quarter-final match between Argentina and England in Mexico. Bin Nasser, who retained the ball for over 30 years before deciding to sell it, personally confirmed its authenticity prior to the auction. The match is immortalized by Maradona’s first goal, where he used his hand to punch the ball past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton. Maradona later famously described the strike as being scored "a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God."

Beyond the controversy of the first goal, the same match also featured what is widely considered the "Goal of the Century," where Maradona dribbled past five English defenders to score a stunning solo effort. The historical weight of the game has made related artifacts incredibly valuable to collectors. For comparison, the shirt worn by Maradona during that specific match was sold in 2022 for a record-breaking £7.1 million. The football itself has seen its value evolve; while it reached £2.5 million in this latest auction, previous attempts to sell the item in 2022 reportedly saw bids around £1.7 million.

The sale of this artifact underscores the enduring global fascination with the 1986 World Cup and the complex legacy of the late Diego Maradona. As sports memorabilia continues to reach unprecedented prices at major international auction houses, items linked to specific, era-defining moments—like the "Hand of God"—remain the most sought-after prizes for wealthy collectors. The football now joins a prestigious list of high-value sports history items, serving as a physical reminder of a match that remains a cornerstone of football folklore.