Maradona's 'hand of God' ball sells for $3.3 million at auction

The football used by Diego Maradona to score his infamous “Hand of God” goal against England at the 1986 FIFA World Cup has been sold at auction for $3.3 million (£2.5 million). The Adidas Azteca ball was sold by Heritage Auctions in the United States, with the final price falling well short of its pre-auction estimate of $10 million. The historic ball was used during Argentina’s memorable 2-1 quarter-final victory over England at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Maradona opened the scoring controversially when he appeared to challenge England goalkeeper Peter Shilton for the ball before punching it into the net with his left hand. George Afriyie questions Benjamin Asare’s reward over Salim Adams The goal was allowed to stand, despite England’s protests, and became known as the “Hand of God” after Maradona famously described it as being scored “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God.” Just four minutes later, Maradona produced another moment of brilliance, collecting the ball in his own half before dribbling past several England players to score what was later voted the “Goal of the Century.” The ball was kept for more than three decades by Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser, who officiated the quarter-final. He previously sold it for £2 million ($2.37 million) in 2022, before it was offered again in 2023 without reaching its reserve price. FKA/MA Benjamin Asare receives $38,000 car for outstanding Black Stars performance Source: www.ghanaweb.com
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