In the 1986 World Cup quarter-final against England, Diego Maradona scored two historic goals with this very ball. The ball was expected to fetch up to $10 million at auction but was ultimately sold for $3.35 million.
Dallas, Texas: Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ match ball, one of the most famous footballs in history, has finally been auctioned. The Adidas Azteca ball used during the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and England was sold for $3.35 million. The auction was conducted by Heritage Auctions in Dallas, Texas. Before the auction, the ball was expected to fetch at least $10 million, but the final price was considerably lower.
This ball is far more significant than an ordinary piece of sports memorabilia. It was the same ball with which Maradona scored two goals against England that remain among the most memorable moments in World Cup history. The first was controversial and later became known as the ‘Hand of God’, while just a few minutes later, he scored an extraordinary individual goal that was eventually voted the FIFA World Cup’s ‘Goal of the Century’.
Historic Ball Sold for $3.35 Million
Heritage Auctions sold the ball at an auction held on August 22, 2026. According to reports, bidding started at $2.5 million and eventually reached $3.35 million. Experts confirmed the ball’s identity using photographs taken during the match and other available evidence.
Before the auction, Heritage Auctions described the ball as one of the most famous footballs in sports history. Its estimated value was set at at least $10 million. Therefore, the final sale price of $3.35 million was significantly below expectations.
Despite selling for such a substantial amount, the ball did not set a record for the most expensive sports ball ever auctioned. In 2024, the baseball used for Shohei Ohtani’s 50th home run was sold for $4.392 million.
Why Is This Ball So Special?
The true value of the ball lies not in its physical appearance but in the history associated with it. On June 22, 1986, Argentina and England faced each other in a World Cup quarter-final at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. Argentina won the match 2-1, with both goals scored by Diego Maradona.
The first goal came around the 51st minute. England goalkeeper Peter Shilton came forward to catch the ball, but Maradona used his left hand to direct it into the net. The match officials did not spot the handball and awarded the goal. It later became famous as the ‘Hand of God’.
At the time, Maradona made a statement about the goal that further fueled the controversy. Over the years, the incident became one of the most famous and controversial moments in football history.
‘Goal of the Century’ Came Four Minutes Later
Before the controversy surrounding the ‘Hand of God’ goal had even settled, Maradona produced another moment of brilliance in the same match that took the story to another level.
Around four minutes later, Maradona collected the ball inside Argentina’s half and began a remarkable run, leaving several England players behind. He dribbled past five England players, went around the goalkeeper and finished the move by putting the ball into the net.
The goal is regarded as one of the greatest individual goals in football history. It was later voted the FIFA World Cup’s ‘Goal of the Century’.
This means the auctioned ball was not merely a witness to a controversial goal. It was the very ball used for two goals that became immortal for completely different reasons.
Ball Remained With the Referee for 36 Years
The story of this historic ball did not end when the match was over. Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser kept the ball in his possession. According to reports, he preserved it for around 36 years.
Interestingly, Bin Nasser was the referee who allowed Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal to stand. He later explained his decision.
According to him, he was positioned behind Maradona and Shilton and could not clearly see what had happened. Following FIFA’s instructions, he looked toward his assistant referee. The assistant referee indicated that the goal was valid by moving back toward the halfway line, after which the goal was awarded.
The Ball Was Also Auctioned in 2022
This was not the first time the ball had appeared at auction. In 2022, Ali Bin Nasser sold it through London-based Graham Budd Auctions. At the time, the ball fetched $2.37 million.
The ball was offered for auction again in 2023. It received a final bid of around $2.04 million, but the amount did not meet the seller’s reserve price. As a result, the sale was not completed.
In 2026, the ball returned to the auction market and was sold for $3.35 million.
Compared with its 2022 sale, the ball’s value has increased. However, the final amount remained significantly below the $10 million estimate made before the latest auction.
Maradona’s Jersey Also Set a Major Record
Another item from the same match has already fetched millions of dollars. The Argentina jersey worn by Maradona during the 1986 quarter-final against England was sold by Sotheby’s in 2022 for around $9.3 million.
This is why there were expectations that the ball could also approach the value of the jersey. Heritage Auctions highlighted the ball’s extraordinary historical importance and presented it as a potentially high-value sports memorabilia item.
However, the final price of $3.35 million was considerably lower than the price paid for Maradona’s jersey from the same match.
Why Did the $10 Million Estimate Fall Short?
Before the auction, the ball was expected to fetch at least $10 million. However, bidding stopped at $3.35 million.
There could be several reasons for the huge gap between the estimate and the final price. The most important factor is that the value of sports memorabilia is not determined solely by historical significance. Provenance, the number of interested buyers, market conditions and demand at the time of the auction also play important roles.
The renewed interest surrounding the World Cup may have been one reason for bringing the ball back to the market in 2026. However, the level of competitive bidding required to push the price toward $10 million did not materialize.
Even so, $3.35 million remains an extraordinary amount for a football used in a historic match.
Who Holds the Record for Sports Memorabilia?
When it comes to sports memorabilia overall, the record is much higher.
In 2024, a jersey worn by legendary New York Yankees baseball player Babe Ruth during the 1932 World Series sold for $24.12 million. Heritage Auctions conducted the sale.
This comparison shows that although Maradona’s ball achieved a major auction price, its $3.35 million sale remains far below the overall sports memorabilia record.
Maradona Eventually Admitted the Handball
The controversy surrounding the ‘Hand of God’ goal continued for decades. Maradona initially described the goal in a way that added to its mystery and controversy. However, in an interview in 2005, he admitted that he had used his hand to score the goal. He also said that he had no regrets about the incident.
This is why the story of the goal is no longer simply about a football rule violation. It has become an inseparable part of Maradona’s legacy.
The match itself was extremely important for Argentina. The team defeated England 2-1 to reach the semi-finals and eventually went on to win the 1986 World Cup. Maradona was the tournament’s most influential players.
Maradona’s Impact on the 1986 World Cup
The 1986 World Cup is widely regarded as one of the most important chapters of Maradona’s career. He played a decisive role in helping Argentina win the tournament.
The two goals he scored against England in the quarter-final demonstrated two completely different aspects of his game. The first entered history because of the controversy surrounding it, while the second became legendary because of his extraordinary individual skill.
That is why the value of the match ball is not simply connected to the fact that it was used in a World Cup game. It was at the center of one of the most iconic stories of Maradona’s career and the 1986 World Cup.
Who Will Own the Ball Now?
Following the Heritage Auctions sale, the ball will go to a new private collector. The identity of the buyer has not been publicly disclosed.
However, the fact that such an important piece of football history has entered a private collection once again highlights the significance of the sports memorabilia market.
Such items are often purchased for more than just investment purposes. They carry the history of the sport, the legacy of the player and the emotional value associated with a particular unforgettable moment.
