Diego Maradona's 1986 World Cup ball sold 40 years on

The ball linked to Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” goal has changed hands again, becoming one of football’s most valuable historical artefacts. The Adidas Azteca used in Argentina’s 1986 World Cup quarter-final against England was sold at auction for almost $2.9 million.

Argentina won the match 2-1, with Maradona’s first goal controversially allowed despite England’s protests. The Tunisian referee, Ali Bennaceur, validated the goal and kept the ball after the final whistle. Maradona scored again later in the match, producing the goal widely remembered as the “goal of the century”.

Bennaceur eventually put the ball up for auction in 2022, when it was bought for about €2.3 million. Four years later, its owner offered it again through Heritage Auctions, a company specialising in sports and collectible memorabilia. The sale concluded at a price close to $2.9 million.

The Adidas Azteca is now identified not only with Argentina’s victory but also with one of the most disputed moments in World Cup history. Its connection to Maradona’s most famous tournament performance has given the ball significance well beyond its original sporting use.