Cashing in on History: The bizarre story behind the $10m "Hand of God" football auction

Retired Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser is looking for a buyer for the legendary football used by the late Diego Maradona to score both the "Hand of God" and the "Goal of the Century" during the historic FIFA World Cup 1986.

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Heritage auctions to host historic sale

According to the Italian newspaper La Nuova Sardegna, the prized piece of football history will be put up for sale by Heritage Auctions. The bidding is scheduled to open on August 23 with a starting price of $2.5 million.

However, sports memorabilia experts estimate the ball’s true value could soar to approximately $10 million, given its direct involvement in two of the most famous and debated goals in the history of the sport. Bin Nasser has carefully kept the ball since refereeing the iconic quarter final clash where Argentina defeated England 2-1.

A tale of two unforgettable goals

The immense value of the ball stems from a frantic four minute spell in the second half of that 1986 encounter in Mexico.

In the 51st minute, Maradona famously opened the scoring by punching the ball into the net, a moment dubbed the "Hand of God". Bin Nasser whose view was obstructed by the speed of the play, awarded the goal.

Just four minutes later, the "Golden Boy" embarked on a mesmerizing solo run from his own half, dribbling past half the England team to score what was later crowned the "Goal of the Century".

The legacy of Ali Bin Nasser

While forever linked to that momentous game in Mexico City, Bin Nasser enjoyed a highly distinguished refereeing career spanning from 1976 to 1991.

His extensive resume includes officiating the finals of the 1984 and 1986 Africa Cup of Nations, as well as another match in the 1988 edition of the tournament.

He also officiated two fixtures during the 1985 FIFA World Youth Championship held in the Soviet Union.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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