Hand of God ball sells for $3.35 million

The Adidas Azteca ball used by Diego Maradona in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal against England sold for $3.35 million at Heritage Auctions, highlighting its iconic status tied to the Hand of God and the Goal of the Century. The sale underscores the ball’s enduring allure, with its provenance tracing back to Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser, who kept it for 36 years and later authenticated its use in the match. The price came in well below Heritage’s $10 million estimate and well short of record sports memorabilia sales. The ball had previously changed hands in 2022 for about $2.37 million, with other reports noting a €2.8 million figure in later coverage. The episode reinforces Maradona’s enduring legacy and the cultural significance of that World Cup moment for football fans and collectors alike.