The ball Maradona used in 1986 could fetch over $10M
The ball Maradona used to score his Hand of God and Goal of the Century strikes in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal against England is heading to Heritage Auctions on August 22, where it is expected to sell for $10 million or more—surpassing its 2022 sale of about $2.4 million.
The Adidas Azteca match ball from Argentina's clash with England is one of soccer's most storied artifacts. According to Robb Report, Heritage expects an eight-figure result that would eclipse the roughly $2.4 million it brought at Graham Budd Auctions in 2022.
Collectors of trophy assets—alongside buyers who already chase luxury real estate and dream homes—are watching the sale as a rare chance to own a piece of World Cup history.
Key Takeaways
- The ball Maradona used for both historic 1986 goals against England goes to auction August 22 at Heritage.
- Heritage Auctions expects the Adidas Azteca to fetch $10 million or more.
- Referee Ali Ben Nasser kept the ball for three decades under FIFA protocol before selling it in 2022 for about $2.4 million.
- Maradona's jersey from the same match sold for $9.3 million in 2022, supporting the lofty estimate.
Why does the ball Maradona used matter so much?
In Mexico's 1986 World Cup, then-25-year-old Diego Maradona scored two unforgettable goals within four minutes to beat England. The first, in the 51st minute, became the "Hand of God" after he punched the ball past goalkeeper Peter Shilton. Officials Ali Ben Nasser and Bogdan Dochev missed the handball, and the goal stood.
Four minutes later, Maradona dribbled roughly 60 yards past five English players and scored what FIFA later named the Goal of the Century. Argentina went on to win the tournament, defeating Belgium in the semifinal and West Germany in the final.
Who owned the ball after the 1986 quarterfinal?
After the match, the ball went to referee Ben Nasser. FIFA protocol granted the referee ownership of the match ball. Fellow officials signed it. In a 2023 signed letter of provenance, Ben Nasser confirmed the Adidas Azteca was in play for both goals throughout the quarterfinal.
He held it for three decades, then sold it at Graham Budd Auctions in 2022 for £2 million—about $2.4 million. That earlier hammer now looks modest beside Heritage's fresh eight-figure forecast.
When will the ball Maradona used be auctioned?
Heritage will offer the ball during its Summer Platinum Night Sports Auction on August 22. Chris Ivy, Heritage's Director of Sports Auctions, has framed the goals as two of the sport's most spectacular moments, even amid England's lasting frustration over the Hand of God.
With Maradona's matching jersey already at $9.3 million, a $10 million-plus hammer for the ball looks ambitious but not unfounded for elite sports memorabilia buyers chasing once-in-a-generation trophies.