Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' Ball Up for Auction

Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" ball is now up for auction, with the starting bid worth $500,000.

It was considered to be one of the most famous "goals" in World Cup history, which was between England and Argentina in the 1986 quarterfinals, according to the auction list.

Its popularity is also followed closely by controversy as it was reported that Maradona's right hand touched the ball and sent it to England's goal.

The "Hand of God" ball came directly from Ali Bennaceur, the Tunisian referee who has had possession of the ball since the quarterfinals.

Bennaceur showed a letter of provenance, wherein it was stated that any central referee who directs an official World Cup match will become the sole and exclusive owner of the ball.

The ball was used throughout the match without using the reserve ball.

The "Hand of God" ball will be accompanied by a letter of provenance from the match referee, Bennaceur, including an LOA from Resolution Photomatching.

'Hand of God' Ball Auction

In October last year, the "Hand of God" ball was placed in an auction and was projected to sell for around $3 million.

Graham Budd Auctions said at the time that they expect the World Cup Adidas ball to be worth between $2.7 million and $3.3 million when it went into sale on November 16 in Britain.

The World Cup referee noted that the "Hand of God" ball is part of international football history, adding in the ball's auction that it felt like "the right time to be sharing it with the world."

The referee went on to say that he hoped the buyer has a position to put it on display or share it with the public in some other way.

The 1986 World Cup has much controversy as Maradona punched the ball past goalkeeper Peter Shilton.

Despite England's players' protests, the goal stood.

Later on, Maradona joked that it was scored with the "head of Maradona" and a "little with the hand of God."

The famous tournament launched Maradona as one of the game's greatest players.

Maradona's shirt in the same match was sold in May 2022 for $9.3 million at the time the highest price paid at auction for a piece of sports memorabilia.

Diego Maradona's Life and Death

After his retirement, Maradona suffered from drug and weight problems. In 2005, he went gastric bypass surgery after gaining 121 kilograms.

He also went to drug rehab on several occasions, particularly in 2000 and 2004. He discovered severe damage to his heart due to extended cocaine use on both occasions.

Maradona was once again admitted to a hospital in 2007 after a binge of drinking, smoking cigars, and eating to excessive levels. By that time, he was done using drugs for a moment.

Even after his death, Maradona remained popular in Argentina. There was even a group called "The Church of Maradona," claiming to be an official religion with 50,000 members.

This article is owned by Latin Post

Written by: Mary Webber

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