Maradona's 'Hand of God' ball sells for $3.35M at Heritage Auctions

The football used by Diego Maradona to score his infamous 'Hand of God' goal against England in the 1986 World Cup has been sold at auction for US$3.35 million. The sale, conducted by Heritage Auctions, a Dallas-based auction house, fell significantly short of the pre-sale estimate of US$10 million, coming in at approximately US$6.7 million below that figure. The ball, an Adidas Azteca, had a starting bid of US$2.5 million. Maradona scored twice during Argentina's quarter-final victory over England on June 22, 1986, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The first goal was the controversial handball, and the second was later voted 'Goal of the Century.' The auction took place in the United States, with the identity of the buyer not disclosed. This sale highlights the enduring market for sports memorabilia, particularly items associated with iconic moments in sports history.