Maradona's 'Hand of God' ball to be auctioned for up to $10 million

A legendary piece of football history, the ball Maradona used for his infamous "Hand of God" goal against England at the 1986 World Cup, is set to go under the hammer. Heritage Auctions will host the sale between August 21 and 23, with an estimated value reaching $10 million.

The auction house has set a starting bid of $2.5 million, but anticipates the ball will fetch tens of millions. The goal, scored with his hand in the quarter-final match in Mexico City's Azteca Stadium, was controversially allowed by the referee. Maradona famously described the moment as being "a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God."

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I think it is, without a doubt, the most historic ball in the world of football. Both goals scored are simply so iconic, so memorable!

Argentina went on to win the match 2-1, with Maradona scoring both goals, and ultimately clinched the World Cup title that year. The ball's historical significance is immense, with Dan Imler, vice president of sports at Heritage Auctions, calling it "undoubtedly the most historic ball in the world of football."

This sale follows the record-breaking auction of Maradona's jersey from the same England match, which sold for $9.3 million, making it the most expensive football jersey ever sold. Maradona passed away in 2020 at the age of 60.

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a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God.