The match ball used by Diego Maradona for his infamous “Hand of God” goal and legendary “Goal of the Century” against England at the 1986 World Cup has sold for $3.35 million at auction.
The iconic Adidas Azteca ball went under the hammer at Heritage Auctions in Dallas on Saturday, August 22, 2026, although the final price fell significantly short of its pre-auction estimate of $10 million.
The ball was used during Argentina’s unforgettable 2-1 quarter-final victory over England at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico — a match that became one of the most iconic encounters in football history.
Maradona opened the scoring with the controversial “Hand of God” goal, using his left hand to direct the ball over England goalkeeper Peter Shilton. Despite furious protests from England’s players, the goal was allowed to stand.
Just four minutes later, Maradona produced another moment of football magic.
Receiving the ball inside his own half, the Argentine superstar embarked on a stunning solo run, weaving past several England players before rounding Shilton and finding the net.
The goal was later voted the “Goal of the Century”, cementing the quarter-final as one of the most memorable matches ever played.
Heritage Auctions said experts authenticated the ball by comparing it with photographs taken during the historic match.
The ball had reportedly been kept for 36 years by Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser, who officiated the controversial quarter-final.
Bin Nasser eventually sold it for $2.37 million at a London auction in 2022.
An attempt to auction the historic ball in 2023 was unsuccessful, but its current owner eventually secured the $3.35 million sale this weekend.
Although the final price did not come close to the $10 million estimate, the ball remains one of the most valuable and historically significant pieces of football memorabilia ever sold.
Nearly four decades later, Maradona’s two goals against England continue to generate debate — while the extraordinary afternoon at the Azteca remains firmly etched into football history.
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