What Happened
The football famously used by Diego Maradona to score his controversial 'Hand of God' goal during the 1986 World Cup quarter-final match against England was sold at auction for $3.35 million. The sale occurred on Saturday, August 22, 2026, through Heritage Auctions in the United States. This specific Adidas Azteca ball, which also saw Maradona score the 'Goal of the Century' in the same game, had been anticipated to fetch a significantly higher price, with initial estimates suggesting it could reach up to $10 million. The final sale price, while substantial, indicates a notable deviation from these high expectations, reflecting the unpredictable nature of high-value sports memorabilia markets.
This recent transaction marks the second time the ball has been publicly auctioned. Its previous owner, Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser, who officiated the 1986 match, had collected the ball at full-time and retained it for over three decades. Bin Nasser initially sold the ball in 2022 for $2.37 million (£1.74 million). The subsequent owner then attempted to re-auction it in 2023, but it failed to sell at that time as bids did not meet the undisclosed minimum value set by the seller. The current sale price of $3.35 million represents an increase from its 2022 valuation, despite not reaching the loftier 2026 projections.
What the Evidence Establishes
Evidence establishes that the Adidas Azteca ball sold at auction is definitively the one used by Diego Maradona during the 1986 World Cup quarter-final match between Argentina and England. This authenticity is corroborated by multiple sources, including a signed letter from the match referee, Ali Bin Nasser, dated 2023, which confirmed it was the sole ball utilized throughout the game. Further independent authentication processes have also verified this claim, solidifying the item's provenance and historical significance. Bin Nasser, who kept the ball for more than 30 years, is a key figure in its verified chain of custody.
The ball was instrumental in two of football's most iconic and contrasting moments: Maradona's infamous 'Hand of God' goal, where he illegally punched the ball past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton, and his subsequent 'Goal of the Century,' a remarkable solo effort involving dribbling past five English outfield players before scoring. Maradona himself famously described the first goal as being scored "a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God." Argentina ultimately won the match 2-1 and proceeded to win the 1986 World Cup. The sale of the ball for $3.35 million on August 22, 2026, is a confirmed transaction, although the BBC reported the equivalent as £2.5m ($3.3m), indicating a slight discrepancy in the exact dollar conversion or final reported figure between outlets.
Where the Accounts Conflict
While both the BBC and Al Jazeera confirm the sale of Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' ball, a minor discrepancy exists in the reported final sale price. The BBC article states the ball sold for "$3.3m (£2.5m)" at Heritage Auctions. Conversely, Al Jazeera reports the sale price as "$3.35m." This difference of $50,000, while relatively small in the context of a multi-million dollar transaction, represents a factual divergence between the two news outlets regarding the precise financial outcome of the auction. The BBC's report also provides a specific date for the auction as "Saturday," which aligns with August 22, 2026, while Al Jazeera's timestamp is August 24, 2026, implying the news broke on Monday.
Furthermore, the BBC provides more extensive historical context regarding the ball's previous sales and auction attempts. It details that referee Ali Bin Nasser sold the ball in 2022 for $2.37 million (£1.74 million) and that its new owner subsequently put it up for auction again in 2023, where it failed to sell because bids did not meet the minimum value. Al Jazeera's report, while confirming the recent sale, does not include these details about the ball's prior market history or the previous unsuccessful auction attempt. This omission means Al Jazeera's account offers a less complete picture of the item's journey through the high-value memorabilia market.
Context and Stakes
The sale of Maradona's 'Hand of God' ball underscores the significant and growing market for iconic sports memorabilia, particularly items linked to legendary figures and pivotal historical moments. Diego Maradona, who passed away in November 2020, remains one of football's most revered and controversial figures. The 1986 World Cup quarter-final against England is etched into sporting history not only for the 'Hand of God' goal but also for the 'Goal of the Century,' both scored by Maradona with this very ball. These events transcend mere sport, carrying cultural and political weight, especially given the Falklands War context between Argentina and the United Kingdom just four years prior.
The stakes in such high-profile auctions involve not only the financial investment for the buyer but also the preservation of sporting heritage. Items like this ball are considered artifacts, offering a tangible connection to a specific moment in time and a legendary athlete. The market for such items is driven by scarcity, authenticity, and the emotional resonance they hold for collectors and fans. The fact that the ball was expected to fetch up to $10 million, yet sold for $3.35 million, highlights the speculative nature of this market, where perceived value can fluctuate significantly based on bidder interest and economic conditions. The previous sale of Maradona's match-worn shirt from the same game for £7.1 million in 2022 further illustrates the immense value placed on his personal effects.
What to Watch Next
Following the sale of the 'Hand of God' ball, attention will likely turn to other significant pieces of Diego Maradona memorabilia that may enter the auction market. The strong, albeit lower-than-expected, sale price for the ball could incentivize other collectors or former associates to bring their Maradona-related items to auction. Potential items could include other match-worn jerseys from key games, personal trophies, or even other equipment used during his illustrious career. The performance of these future auctions will provide further insight into the sustained demand and valuation trends for high-tier football artifacts, particularly those linked to the Argentine legend.
Additionally, the new owner of the 'Hand of God' ball will determine its immediate future. It remains to be seen whether the ball will be displayed publicly, become part of a private collection, or be held for future resale. Any public exhibition or museum placement would increase its visibility and potentially its long-term cultural value. The sports memorabilia market will also be closely observing how the $3.35 million sale influences the pricing and expectations for other iconic items from different sports, as the 'Hand of God' ball sets a new benchmark for a specific type of football artifact. The exact reporting of the final sale price, with the slight discrepancy between BBC and Al Jazeera, may also see clarification from Heritage Auctions in the coming days.
Bottom Line
The Adidas Azteca football used by Diego Maradona to score both the 'Hand of God' and 'Goal of the Century' goals in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final against England has been sold at auction for $3.35 million. This sale, conducted by Heritage Auctions, confirms the enduring financial and cultural value placed on artifacts from pivotal sporting moments and legendary athletes. Despite falling short of initial estimates that projected a sale price closer to $10 million, the transaction represents a significant investment in sports history, building on a previous sale in 2022 for $2.37 million.
The ball's authenticity is well-established, supported by the testimony of the match referee, Ali Bin Nasser, and independent verification. This robust provenance is critical in the high-stakes world of memorabilia, where authenticity directly correlates with value. The market for such unique items remains robust, driven by historical significance and the emotional connection to iconic figures like Maradona. The sale reinforces the trend of high-value sports memorabilia becoming significant assets, attracting both private collectors and institutional buyers seeking to preserve and showcase sporting heritage.
DECLASSIFIED SOURCE: BBC - World (via Real-time Signal Upgrade)
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