Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ Ball Sells for $3.35m
Diego Maradona's infamous 'Hand of God' ball sold for $3.35m, revealing how sports memorabilia values reflect cultural legacies.
The update
The football used by Diego Maradona to score his controversial ‘Hand of God’ goal against England in the 1986 World Cup has sold for $3.35m (£2.5m) at auction in the United States. The Adidas Azteca ball was previously sold in 2022 for $2.37m and was expected to fetch closer to $10m this time around. Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser collected the ball after the match and kept it for over three decades before selling it.
Why it matters
The sale highlights how sports memorabilia values reflect cultural legacies and the blurred lines between infamy and greatness. Maradona’s goal, which he later admitted involved punching the ball past goalkeeper Peter Shilton, became one of football’s most controversial moments. Despite the controversy, the ball represents a pivotal moment in World Cup history and Argentine football pride.
What to watch
How the market for controversial sports memorabilia continues to evolve and whether other items from famous sporting moments will command similar prices. The ball’s authenticity has been confirmed through multiple sources, including a letter from referee Bin Nasser.
Sources
- aljazeera.com — Auction details and sale price
- bbc.co.uk — Historical context and previous sale information