Maradona's 'Hand of God' Ball Heads to Auction: Can It Truly Command $10 Million?
By Chloe Bennett
Few objects carry the psychological weight of the match ball from June 22, 1986. Held under the midday sun at the Estadio Azteca before 114,580 spectators, the Argentina vs England match was played under the lingering political shadow of the Falklands War. In a span of four minutes, Diego Maradona authored two entirely opposing definitions of soccer brilliance.
In the 51st minute, Maradona leaped alongside Peter Shilton, punching the ball into the net with his left fist. Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser failed to spot the infraction, allowing the goal to stand. Four minutes later, Maradona picked up the same ball inside his own half, navigated past Peter Beardsley, Peter Reid, Terry Butcher, and Terry Fenwick, rounded Shilton, and slotted home the consensus Goal of the Century. Unlike modern matches that rotate dozens of multi-ball spares along the touchline, 1986 regulations relied on a single primary ball for the vast majority of active play. When the final whistle blew, Bin Nasser took possession of the ball, storing it in his personal collection for over three decades.
Chloe Bennett explores the intersection of pop culture, streaming entertainment, digital trends, and contemporary lifestyle. Her weekly commentary reaches thousands of culture enthusiasts.
