The ‘Hand of God’ soccer ball punched by Diego Maradona is up for auction

Source: npr.org

What is the worth of the soccer ball used in one of the most controversial World Cup moments of all time?

We’ll soon know, as the ball punched by Argentine legend Diego Maradona in what is known as the “Hand of God” goal goes to auction on Wednesday.

The lot is part of a one-day special auction of World Cup items and memorabilia at Graham Budd Auctions in the U.K. The ball may sell for as much as $3.6 million.

In May, the jersey worn by Maradona that day fetched $9.3 million, the highest price ever paid for a piece of sports memorabilia at auction.

The ball was used for the duration of a quarterfinal match between Argentina and England at the 1986 World Cup at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

Six minutes into the second half, Maradona jumped into the air toward the ball, alongside England goalkeeper Peter Shilton. The ball soared into the net, and Maradona celebrated with his teammates.

It was clear to the England players — and to viewers of the replay later — that Maradona had struck the ball with his fist. After the match, Maradona would tell reporters that he had scored “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God.”

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