Maradona's "Hand of God" ball was auctioned for over $3.35 million but fell far short of expectations.
The Adidas Azteca soccer ball that Diego Maradona used to score one of the most famous and debated goals in World Cup history was sold at a U.S. auction for more than $3.35 million, approximately 109 million baht.
The ball was used in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal match between Argentina and England at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The incident occurred when Maradona contested the ball in the air with England goalkeeper Peter Shilton, then used his left hand to deflect the ball into the net. The referee did not see the handball and allowed the goal, giving Argentina a 1-0 lead. Argentina went on to win 2-1 and eventually claimed the 1986 World Cup title.
After the match, Maradona described the goal as "a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God," which became the origin of the term "Hand of God."
The auction was held by Heritage Auctions in Dallas, Texas. Before the auction, the ball was estimated to sell for up to $10 million and opened bidding at $2.5 million. However, the final price was about $3.35 million, significantly below expectations.
Previously, the ball sold in 2022 for $2.37 million and was auctioned again in 2023, where the highest bid was about $2.04 million but did not meet the seller's reserve price.
The ball was originally owned by Ali Bin Nasser, the Tunisian referee who officiated the match and did not witness Maradona's handball clearly.
Bin Nasser explained that he could not see the incident clearly because both Maradona and Shilton had their backs to him. He then sought confirmation from the assistant referee, who confirmed the goal was valid.
Maradona later admitted that he did indeed score the goal with his hand. In 2005, he openly acknowledged this but said he did not regret the goal.