Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ World Cup Ball Sells
A very famous soccer ball was sold at an auction in the United States.
Diego Maradona used it during Argentina’s 1986 World Cup match against England.
He scored one goal by hitting the ball with his hand, which soccer rules do not allow.
England’s players protested, but the referee allowed the goal.
Maradona later called it the “Hand of God” goal.
He used the same ball to score another goal after dribbling past five defenders.
That second goal became known as the “Goal of the Century.”
The ball sold for about $3.3 million after a complicated history of sales and authentication.
The Adidas Azteca ball used in Diego Maradona’s two famous 1986 World Cup goals sold for $3.3 million, or about £2.5 million.
Maradona punched the ball past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton during Argentina’s 2-1 quarterfinal victory.
The same ball was used four minutes later for Maradona’s dribble past five defenders, later called the ‘Goal of the Century.’
Referee Ali Bin Nasser accepted the controversial first goal after consulting his assistant, despite protests from England’s players.
The ball was previously sold for $2.37 million in 2022 and failed to sell at a 2023 auction after a $2.04 million bid did not meet the reserve.
- Who
- Diego Maradona, Argentina, England, goalkeeper Peter Shilton, referee Ali Bin Nasser, and the ball’s buyers and sellers.
- What
- The Adidas Azteca match ball used for Maradona’s two goals was sold at auction for $3.3 million.
- When
- The goals were scored during the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal; the latest auction took place on a Saturday, with no exact date provided.
- Where
- The match was played at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mexico, and the ball was auctioned in the United States.
- Why
- The ball was sold as rare football memorabilia connected to Maradona’s famous goals.
Goal Accepted
Goal Disputed
Whether the first goal should stand
Goal Accepted
Referee Ali Bin Nasser consulted his assistant, who confirmed the goal. There was no video replay system at the time, so the goal was allowed.
Goal Disputed
England’s players protested because Maradona punched the ball into the net with his hand, violating the rules.
Maradona’s explanation
Goal Accepted
Maradona initially described the goal as being scored partly with his head and partly with the ‘hand of God.’
Goal Disputed
Maradona admitted in 2005 that he scored with his hand, while Peter Shilton rejected the explanation as coming too late.
Ball authenticity
Goal Accepted
Ali Bin Nasser signed a 2023 letter stating that it was the only ball used in the match, and further independent authentication supported its identity.
Goal Disputed
The ball’s authenticity and auction history have faced debate, although the latest reports say it was accepted for sale.
- Auction price
- $3.3 million, approximately £2.5 million or ₹31.6 crore
- Match
- Argentina vs. England, 1986 World Cup quarterfinal
- Final score
- Argentina won 2-1
- First goal
- Maradona’s controversial ‘Hand of God’ goal, scored six minutes into the second half
- Second goal
- A dribble past five England defenders, later named the ‘Goal of the Century’
- Previous sale
- Ali Bin Nasser sold the ball for $2.37 million in 2022
- 2023 auction
- A $2.04 million bid failed to meet the seller’s undisclosed reserve price
