Football Touched by the 'Hand of God' to Be Sold, Price Approaching $10 Million

A football that played a pivotal role in one of the most controversial and talked-about goals in football history is now up for auction. The ball used by Argentinian legend Diego Maradona for his infamous "Hand of God" goal against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final is expected to generate significant interest and a substantial sum.

During the match, Maradona directed the ball into England's net with his hand, a move that, despite strong protests from the English team, was allowed by the referee. Maradona himself later famously referred to the goal as "the hand of God." The ball from this historic and contentious moment is now being offered for sale, carrying with it the weight of that unforgettable game.

The auction, set to take place later in August in Texas, USA, has a starting bid of $2.5 million (approximately 2.2 million euros). Auction house Heritage Auctions estimates that the ball's final price could soar above $10 million (over 8.7 million euros). This projected figure would surpass the record amount paid for Maradona's jersey from the same England match, which sold for £7.1 million (around 8.3 million euros) in 2022.

Argentina went on to win the 1986 World Cup, with Maradona scoring a second, spectacular solo goal in the same match against England. Maradona passed away in 2020 at the age of 60, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with moments of both unparalleled brilliance and controversial genius.

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