In brief
Diego Maradona’s ball from the infamous 1986 World Cup match, where the Argentine striker scored the “Hand of God”, was sold for £2.5m. Auction in the United States drew surprised bids, in contrast with a projected value of £7.3m. The ball, authenticated by referee Ali Bin Nasser, was sold again after a 2022 sale but this time crossed the significant milestone. It remains one of the most valuable pieces of football history, underscoring the enduring legacy of the 1986 match. Collectors and fans alike noted the price was lower than hoped, hinting at market volatility for sports memorabilia.
The ball that became famous after Diego Maradona scored the Hand of God goal in the 1986 World Cup has changed hands twice in recent years. In a recent auction in the United States it fetched £2.5m, far below the expected £7.3m.
The match, held in Mexico, is remembered for Maradona’s controversial goal and his later elegant “Goal of the Century.” The ball was in the possession of referee Ali Bin Nasser for over three decades before being sold in 2022 for £1.74m.
New ownership allowed the football to be auctioned again in 2023, but without bids reaching the set minimum. In 2026, it returned to the market, achieving the record price for a single football.
Mike Provenzale, a senior auctioneer, highlighted its historical significance, describing it as arguably the most significant soccer item in existence. The auction underscores the passionate interest in football memorabilia worldwide.
