The original football used when Diego Maradona scored his notorious "Hand of God" goal at the 1986 World Cup sold at auction over the weekend for 3.3 million dollars (approximately £2.5 million). Despite the substantial sum, the sale price fell dramatically short of pre-auction estimates that had predicted the ball would fetch close to $10 million (around £7.3 million).
The controversial goal came during Argentina's 2-1 quarterfinal victory over England. Maradona punched the ball into the net over English goalkeeper Peter Shilton's head after lowering it with his hand, but the goal was allowed to stand. After the match, Maradona provided one of football's most memorable quotes, describing the goal as scored "a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God".
Later in the same match, the Argentine star scored what became known as "the Goal of the Century," dribbling past five English outfield players before beating Shilton again.
The Adidas Azteca ball had been kept for more than three decades by Ali Bin Nasser, the Tunisian referee who officiated the match. Bin Nasser collected it after the final whistle, and in 2023 signed a letter confirming it was the only ball used during the game.
According to several sources, the identification of the ball was also verified through additional independent testing.
