Maradona's 'Hand of God' Ball Sells for £2.5 Million

The football used by Diego Maradona to score the infamous "Hand of God" goal during the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarter-final match against England has been sold at auction for £2.5 million. The sale took place at Sotheby's in London on November 16, 2022. The ball, manufactured by Adidas, was put up for auction by former Tunisian referee Ali Bennaceur, who had kept it as a memento for 36 years. Bennaceur was the referee for the contentious match, which Argentina won 2-1, with Maradona scoring both goals. The first goal, scored in the 51st minute, involved Maradona punching the ball into the net, an act he later attributed to "a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God." The second goal, scored just four minutes later, is widely regarded as one of the greatest goals in World Cup history, as Maradona dribbled past five England players before scoring. The sale of the ball generated significant interest, reflecting its iconic status in football history and the enduring legacy of Diego Maradona, who passed away in November 2020. The auction house had initially estimated the ball would fetch between £2.5 million and £3.5 million, and the final sale price met the lower end of this expectation. The buyer's identity has not been disclosed. This sale follows other high-profile memorabilia auctions related to football legends, highlighting the market for significant sporting artifacts. The "Hand of God" goal remains one of the most debated moments in football, symbolizing both controversy and Maradona's extraordinary, albeit unconventional, genius. The ball's journey from the pitch in Mexico City to a private collection underscores its unique place in sports lore. The 1986 World Cup was Maradona's tournament, where he captained Argentina to victory, cementing his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time. The ball's sale represents a tangible link to a pivotal moment in that championship and in global sporting consciousness. The auction process itself involved competitive bidding, with interest from collectors worldwide, underscoring the global appeal of such historical items. Sotheby's, a renowned auction house, facilitated the sale, ensuring transparency and a professional environment for the transaction. The value attributed to the ball is not solely based on its material worth but on the historical narrative and emotional connection it represents for football fans and collectors alike. The event also brings renewed attention to the 1986 World Cup, a tournament celebrated for its high level of play and memorable moments, both celebrated and controversial.