The football used by Diego Maradona to score his controversial 'Hand of God' goal during the 1986 World Cup quarter-final against England has sold at auction for £2.5 million. The sale took place at Heritage Auctions in the United States on Saturday, fetching $3.3 million.
Maradona famously punched the ball past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton in Argentina's 2-1 victory. Following the match, he reportedly stated the goal was scored "a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God." He also scored the 'goal of the century' in the same game.
The Adidas Azteca ball was kept by Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser for more than three decades after the match. Bin Nasser confirmed in 2023 that it was the only ball used during the game, a detail also supported by independent authentication. Despite the £2.5 million sale, the ball had been anticipated to reach a price nearer £7.3 million ($10 million).