Maradona's 'Hand of God' Soccer Ball Sells for $3.35M at Heritage Auctions
At Heritage Auctions, the soccer ball that Diego Maradona used to net both goals during Argentina's 2-1 win against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final fetched $3.35 million, falling short of its $10 million estimate. This ball was instrumental in the infamous 'Hand of God' goal and the celebrated 'Goal of the Century' at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Referee Ali Bin Nasser retained the ball for 36 years, asserting that FIFA regulations granted him ownership. It had previously sold for $2.37 million in 2022. The auction also featured items such as a Honus Wagner card and memorabilia from Babe Ruth and Michael Jordan. Chris Ivy remarked on the British outrage regarding the goal as a notable injustice.
Key facts
- The soccer ball used for Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal sold for $3.35 million at Heritage Auctions.
- The ball was used in Argentina's 2-1 victory over England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final in Mexico City.
- Maradona scored both goals, including the 'Hand of God' and the 'Goal of the Century'.
- The pre-sale estimate was $10 million, but the final price was $3.35 million.
- The ball was previously sold in 2022 for $2.37 million by referee Ali Bin Nasser.
- The sale was part of Heritage Auctions' Summer Platinum Night Sports Auction.
- The ball's sale price is about one-third of the $9.3 million paid for Maradona's jersey in 2022.
- Maradona's jersey set an auction record for sports memorabilia in 2022.
Entities
Artists
- Diego Maradona
- Peter Shilton
- Jorge Valdano
- Steve Hodge
- Ali Bin Nasser
Institutions
- Heritage Auctions
- FIFA
- Smithsonian Magazine
- Sports Illustrated
- BBC
Locations
- Mexico City
- Mexico
- Argentina
- England
- Tunisia
- Estadio Azteca