Maradona: the 'Hand of God' ball sold for a fortune

The ball used for Diego Maradona’s legendary 'Hand of God' goal against England at the 1986 World Cup has been auctioned off for $3.35 million.

An item tied to one of the most iconic goals in history

The ball was sold on Saturday by Heritage Auctions. According to the auction house, its authenticity was established by comparing it to footage and photographs from the match. The quarter-final between Argentina and England, played at the 1986 FIFA World Cup, remains one of the most memorable matches in football history.

Diego Maradona scored his infamous handball goal in that match, a move that was allowed to stand despite English protests. The goal would go on to be known worldwide as the 'Hand of God,' a phrase coined by the Argentine legend himself after the game.

A sale below expectations

Despite its unique status, the ball failed to reach the pre-sale estimate. Heritage Auctions had set an expected minimum price of $10 million. The final sale price of $3.35 million thus fell well short of initial forecasts.

Nonetheless, the item retains immense historical value, being directly linked to one of the most famous moments in World Cup history. Nearly forty years after that World Cup, Maradona’s legacy continues to make headlines, with his name alone able to turn a simple match ball into a multi-million dollar collector’s item.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr

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