Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ Ball Fetches Record-Breaking $8.4 MillionMaradona’s ‘Hand of God’ Ball Fetches Record-Breaking $8.4 Million The football used by Diego Maradona to score his infamous “Hand of God” goal against England in the 1986 World Cup final has shattered auction records, selling for an astonishing $8.4 million. The ball, which was owned by Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser who officiated the match, was put up for sale by Graham Budd Auctions. It had been expected to fetch between £2.5 million and £3 million, but exceeded all expectations. The winning bid was placed by an anonymous buyer who wished to remain unnamed. The proceeds from the sale will reportedly go towards humanitarian causes. The “Hand of God” goal remains one of the most controversial moments in football history. In the quarter-final match, Maradona jumped above England goalkeeper Peter Shilton and used his left hand to punch the ball into the net. The goal was allowed to stand, despite protests from the English players. Maradona later admitted that he had used his hand, saying: “It was a little bit of Maradona’s head and a little bit of the hand of God.” The “Hand of God” ball has become an iconic artifact of football history. It has been displayed in museums and featured in documentaries about Maradona’s life and career. Its sale for $8.4 million is a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the greatest footballers of all time. The previous record for the sale of a football used in an international match was £4.2 million, which was paid for the ball used in the 1966 World Cup final. The sale of the “Hand of God” ball has now set a new benchmark for the value of football memorabilia.
