"Maradona" 'Hand of God' ball sold for $3.35 million

In the quarter-final match of the 1986 World Cup against the England national team, the ball used by Argentina’s legendary star Diego Maradona to score the goal famously dubbed the “Hand of God” was sold at Heritage Auctions for $3.35 million, One.uz reports.

This ball was used in the historic quarter-final of the 1986 World Cup (Argentina 2:1 England) and represents one of the most famous and controversial moments in football history, both historically and emotionally. The auction started at $2.5 million, but the final sale price did not reach the expected $10 million, settling instead at $3.35 million.

This result reflects the enduring value of Maradona’s legacy and his historical impact on football. In contrast, Maradona’s jersey auctioned in 2022 sold for $9.3 million, setting a record — highlighting the price difference between the two items.

The jersey is more valuable due to its direct physical connection to Maradona and its use in major tournaments, whereas the ball was used in only a single match. However, its historical significance stems from its emotional and symbolic association with the “Hand of God” goal and the “Goal of the Century.”

This ball is considered a symbolic artifact uniting two iconic moments in football history: the “Hand of God” and the “Goal of the Century.”

Its value is not merely material but also historically, culturally, and emotionally profound. Paying millions for such rare and symbolic items in football history is viewed as an investment in preserving sports heritage and passing it on to future generations.

The most valuable sports memorabilia is determined by its historical significance, rarity, and emotional impact — and Maradona’s ball meets all these criteria. For football fans and historians, this auction result confirms the growing emotional and historical value associated with sports artifacts.

Source: one.uz