Maradona's 1986 World Cup ball sells for $3.35 million

A match‑ball from the 1986 FIFA World Cup final in Mexico City fetched $3.35 million at a recent auction, setting a new benchmark for sports memorabilia. The leather sphere, used by Argentina’s Diego Maradona during the quarter‑final clash with England, was sold by a leading auction house to an undisclosed collector after a competitive bidding process. The sale underscores the enduring market value of iconic items linked to historic sporting moments.

The ball is famously associated with Maradona’s controversial goal, later described by the player as the “Hand of God,” in which he used his hand to direct the ball past the English goalkeeper. The goal, which helped Argentina advance to the semi‑finals, remains one of the most debated incidents in World Cup history. The transaction highlights both the lasting cultural impact of the 1986 tournament and the premium placed on artifacts that encapsulate pivotal episodes in football lore.