Maradona's iconic 'Hand of God' football fetches $4.19 million

The football used in Diego Maradona's controversial 'Hand of God' goal during the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal has sold for $4.19 million at auction, marking a significant transaction in sports memorabilia despite exceeding its pre-sale expectations.

Heritage Auctions, the US-based auction house handling the sale, had initially estimated the ball would fetch up to $10 million. The final hammer price of $4.19 million represents a substantial sum for a single piece of sporting history, underscoring the enduring cultural significance of the Argentine legend's most infamous moment.

The goal, scored against England in Mexico City, saw Maradona punch the ball into the net with his left hand—a violation undetected by match officials at the time. The incident became one of football's most memorable controversies, with Maradona later famously attributing the goal to the 'Hand of God'.

The sale highlights the continued demand among collectors for artifacts connected to pivotal moments in sports history, particularly those associated with Maradona, who remains a towering figure in global football culture decades after his playing career ended.