One of the most famous pieces of soccer history has a new owner — and it just sold for millions.

The Adidas Azteca ball used during Diego Maradona’s legendary performance against England at the 1986 FIFA World Cup has sold at auction for US$3.35 million.

This wasn’t just any World Cup ball.

It was used for both Maradona’s controversial “Hand of God” goal and, just four minutes later, his incredible solo effort that became known as the “Goal of the Century.” Argentina won the quarterfinal 2–1 before going on to win the World Cup.

The Ball Was Expected to Sell for $10 Million

Despite the massive price tag, the auction actually fell well short of expectations.

Dallas-based Heritage Auctions had estimated the historic ball could sell for at least $10 million.

Instead, bidding began at $2.5 million before eventually reaching $3.35 million.

The ball had previously sold for approximately $2.37 million in 2022, meaning its value still increased considerably in just four years. It was also put up for auction again in 2023 but failed to meet the seller’s reserve price.

One Ball, Two of Soccer’s Most Famous Goals

What makes the ball so valuable is the extraordinary few minutes of history attached to it.

On June 22, 1986, Argentina faced England in the World Cup quarterfinal at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca.

Early in the second half, Maradona jumped alongside England goalkeeper Peter Shilton and used his left hand to knock the ball into the net.

Officials missed the handball and awarded Argentina the goal.

Maradona would famously describe it afterward as being scored partly by his head and partly by “the hand of God.”

Then came something completely different.

Just four minutes later, Maradona collected the ball inside Argentina’s half and produced one of the greatest individual plays the sport has ever seen, weaving through England’s defence before scoring.

The goal would eventually be voted FIFA’s World Cup “Goal of the Century.”

Even Maradona’s Jersey Is Worth Millions

The ball isn’t the only piece of memorabilia from that afternoon worth a fortune.

Maradona’s jersey from the same Argentina-England match sold at Sotheby’s in 2022 for nearly US$9.3 million.

The ball, meanwhile, spent decades in the possession of Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser, who officiated the famous match.

Bin Nasser later explained that his view of the “Hand of God” incident was obstructed and that he relied on his linesman, who indicated the goal should stand.

More Than a Piece of Soccer Memorabilia

Forty years after the 1986 World Cup, Maradona’s performance against England remains one of the most famous moments in sports history.

For Argentina, it represents much more than two goals.

Maradona carried the country through the tournament and ultimately lifted the World Cup trophy after Argentina defeated West Germany in the final.

His performance against England became part of Argentine culture and helped cement his status as a national icon.

Now, four decades later, the ball at the centre of that unforgettable afternoon has changed hands once again.

US$3.35 million for one soccer ball.

Then again, there may never be another ball connected to two moments quite like these.