Diego Maradona “Hand of God” Ball Heads to Heritage Sports Auction
The soccer ball used for two of the most famous goals in World Cup history is heading to auction at Heritage.
The photo-matched ball from Argentina’s 1986 World Cup quarterfinal victory over England will be offered in Heritage Auctions’ Summer Platinum Night Sports Auction, scheduled for August 21 through August 23. Heritage said the ball could contend for the record as the most valuable soccer collectible ever sold. The current bid for the “Hand of God” ball, including buyer’s premium, is already over $3 million.
Diego Maradona used the ball to score both the controversial “Hand of God” goal and the goal later named the “Goal of the Century.”
The first came in the 51st minute of the match. Maradona jumped against England goalkeeper Peter Shilton and used his left hand to direct the ball into the net. The officials did not see the infraction, and the goal was allowed to stand.
After the match, Maradona said the goal was scored partly with his head and partly with the “hand of God,” giving the moment the name that has followed it ever since.
Just four minutes later, Maradona collected the same ball behind midfield and carried it approximately 60 yards toward England’s goal. He dribbled past five defenders before scoring past Shilton.
That second goal gave Argentina a 2-0 lead and ultimately proved to be the winner in a 2-1 victory. Argentina went on to defeat Belgium in the semifinal and West Germany in the final to win the 1986 World Cup.
The Maradona ball is the headline item in an auction filled with major sports cards and game-used memorabilia.
Other soccer collectibles include a 1979 Panini Calciatori Diego Maradona card graded PSA 10, a signed 1958 Alifabolaget Pelé card graded BGS 8.5 with a BGS 10 autograph, and a one-of-one 2024 Topps Lamine Yamal autograph SuperFractor graded PSA 10.
The auction will also feature one of three known T206 Piedmont Honus Wagner cards. According to Heritage, the winning bidder will become only the card’s third owner since it was produced.
Additional baseball highlights include a photo-matched 1937 Lou Gehrig game-worn New York Yankees jersey, a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card graded PSA 8 and a 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth card graded PSA 9.
Basketball collectors will find a 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card graded PSA 10, a Jordan and Isiah Thomas Dual Logoman card numbered one of one, and the basketball Kareem Abdul-Jabbar used to score the final points of his former NBA career record.
The sale also includes high-end football cards, game-worn jerseys, wrestling memorabilia and historic golf items.
Bidding in Heritage’s Summer Platinum Night Sports Auction will conclude over three days from August 21 through August 23.