Maradona's 'Hand of God' Football at Auction

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

When Leo Messi led Argentina to victory in last year's World Cup, it had been 36 years since Argentina had been World Cup champions. In the June 1986 tournament held in Mexico, Argentine captain 25-year-old Maradona made history in the semi-final game versus England. Six minutes into the second half of the game, it was tied 0-0 when Steve Hodge, the English midfielder, flicked the ball towards the English goal and both Maradona and English goalkeeper Peter Shilton lunged for the ball. Maradona ended up punching the ball with his hand into the goal.

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - JUNE 22: Argentina player Diego Maradona outjumps England goalkeeper Peter Shilton to score with his 'Hand of God' goal as England defenders Kenny Sansom (top) Gary Stevens (c) and Terry Fenwick look on during the 1986 FIFA World Cup Quarter Final at the Azteca Stadium on June 22, 1986 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Allsport/Getty Images)

Though the goal was contested by the English, the referee, Ali Bennaceur, let the goal stand as there was no video technology to rewatch the play. Argentina went on to win 2-1, after Maradona scored a second goal dubbed the 'Goal of the Century', and then later beat West Germany 3-2 to become the 1986 World Cup Champions. Maradona was awarded the 'Golden Ball' as the World Cup's best player.

Diego Maradona holding the FIFA World Cup trophy after winning the final to West Germany. Public domain image

Later, Maradona referred to the goal as "a little with the head of Maradona, and a little with the hand of God...," from which comes the name the 'Hand of God' ball. He also called the goal "symbolic revenge" against England for the Falklands War in 1982.

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The Historic Diego Maradona "Hand of God" Soccer Ball – Photo-Matched From 1986 World Cup. Image © Goldin

Since 1986, the game's referee Ali Bennaceur has owned the Adidas soccer ball and is now offering it up for auction at Goldin on 8 February where the current bid stands at $800,000. However, it could reach a much higher figure, as Maradona's jersey from that World Cup game sold for $9.3 million at auction in May 2022. The ball, which is now deflated, has "Official World Cup Ball 1986 Ballon Officiel Coupe du Monde 1986" stamped in black on one of the pentagonal panels and "azteca Mexico" stamped on black on another panel. According to Goldin, this ball is "simply the most historically significant piece of soccer memorabilia ever auctioned." Their 8 February sale also includes major sports collectibles, including a Lebron James rookie card and a Tom Brady game-worn Buccaneers jersey.

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About the author

Kira Reinke

Kira Reinke is the US Editor at Barnebys Magazine. She majored in English and Art History at St. Olaf College and has a master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. Prior to working at Barnebys, she worked in editorial at a travel agency. Her interests focus on fine art, design, and fashion on the auction market, and she enjoys attending auction previews, museum exhibits, and gallery openings in New York.