Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ Football Fetches £2.5m at Auction

POLICY WIRE — London, UK — The football used by Diego Maradona to score his infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal during the 1986 World Cup quarter-final match between Argentina and England has been sold at auction for £2.5 million.

The match, held on June 22, 1986, in Mexico City, saw Maradona controversially score with his hand, a moment that has since become one of the most debated goals in football history. The ball, which was used in the second half of the game, was auctioned by Sotheby’s in London.

The auction attracted significant attention from collectors and football enthusiasts worldwide. The final bid of £2.5 million marks one of the highest prices ever paid for a football at auction.

The ball was authenticated by Guinness World Records and comes with a letter of provenance from the original owner, Abbas Ali, a Pakistani physical education teacher who was seated near the ground when the ball was kicked out.

Maradona’s goal, though controversial, contributed to Argentina’s 2-1 victory over England, a match remembered for its dramatic moments and the subsequent semifinal loss to West Germany.

The sale of the ‘Hand of God’ ball underscores the enduring fascination with Maradona’s legacy and the memorabilia associated with his career.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)