The ball with which Argentina soccer legend Diego Maradona scored the iconic “Hand of God” goal will soon be auctioned off. The ball will be part of a World Cup-themed auction organized by Graham Budd Auctions next month at London’s Wembley Stadium.
According to the official announcement, the auction house expects that the ball will fetch between $2.7 million and $3.3 million.
“Hand of God” is one of the most famous, if not the most famous, goals in the history of soccer. Maradona scored it in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinals 2-1 win over England by punching the ball in the net using his hand. The goal was allowed to stand as the referees didn’t see the handball. Maradona would go on to win the tournament with Argentina.
Ali Bin Nasser, the main referee who didn’t see the handball, is curiously the current owner of the “Hand of God” ball. According to him, he decided to sell it because he wants to share it with the world.
“This ball is part of international football history – it feels like the right time to be sharing it with the world,” Bin Nasser explained. “I hope the buyer is in a position to put it on display or share it with the public in some other way.”
The jersey Maradona wore when he scored “Hand of God” also made it to auction earlier this year. It was sold for $9.3 million, which was a record for sports memorabilia at the time.
