Maradona's 'Hand of God' Ball Sells for $3.35 Million at Auction

In June 1986, Diego Maradona scored two of the most famous goals in football history during Argentina's World Cup quarter-final against England in Mexico City. One of these, dubbed the 'Hand of God', saw Maradona use his hand to punch the ball into the net, a moment that became both controversial and iconic. The other, the 'Goal of the Century', showcased his extraordinary skill as he dribbled past several English defenders to score.

The ball used in that match, an Adidas Azteca, became a coveted artifact for collectors and football fans. Over the years, both the ball and Maradona's jersey from the same game have been seen as some of the most valuable items in football memorabilia.

On August 22, 2026, the ball was put up for auction in the United States, according to El Colombiano and France24. The item quickly drew global interest, with coverage from outlets across Europe, South America, and Asia.

Bidding took place over several days, with the final price coming in at $3.35 million, as reported by Al Jazeera, ESPN FC, and the South China Morning Post. This was significantly lower than the initial estimate of $10 million, a figure cited by several outlets including Proto Thema and NewsIt.gr. The ball was sold by Heritage Auctions in Texas, according to Euronews.

Reports varied slightly in the currencies used, with the BBC and Sky News confirming a sale price of £2.5 million, while SVT reported nearly 32 million Swedish kronor and Indian Express noted approximately 27.5 crore rupees. L'Équipe and Euronews placed the sale at just under 3 million euros.

The sale attracted immediate comparisons to Maradona's shirt from the same match, which sold in 2022 for a record £7.1 million, as noted by the BBC and Diken.

The ball is now in the hands of a new owner, whose identity has not been widely reported. While the $3.35 million price fell short of expectations, the sale cements the ball's status as one of the most significant football collectibles ever auctioned.

The event has reignited memories of Maradona's impact on the sport and the lasting legacy of the 1986 World Cup, particularly in Argentina and England, where the match remains a cultural touchstone.