The infamous “Hand of God” match ball used during Argentina’s 2-1 World Cup quarter-final victory against England on June 22, 1986, is heading to auction with an estimated value exceeding millions of dollars, according to recent announcements surrounding the sale. Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser, who officiated the historic fixture at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, has maintained ownership of the spherical artifact for decades before deciding to bring it to the market.
For decades, the object remained in the hands of the official who failed to spot Diego Maradona’s notorious aerial handball. Now, the anticipated auction brings a fresh wave of collector interest to memorabilia tied to one of the most controversial and celebrated afternoons in international soccer history. The sale follows a series of high-profile auctions involving items from that specific afternoon, continuing a lucrative trend in modern sports collectibles.
The 1986 Match Context and Referee Ownership
During the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarter-final, tensions between Argentina and England ran high, fueled by geopolitical context and fierce athletic rivalry. Early in the second half, Maradona leaped alongside England goalkeeper Peter Shilton and punched the ball into the net with his left hand. Bin Nasser allowed the goal to stand, famously explaining later that he did not have a clear view of the incident and relied on his linesman.
Minutes later, Maradona scored his second goal of the match—often hailed as the “Goal of the Century”—by dribbling past nearly the entire English side from his own half. Argentina won the match 2-1 and eventually lifted the World Cup trophy. Bin Nasser kept the match ball, an Adidas Azteca, in his possession ever since, preserving it as a primary artifact from the fixture.
Market Precedents for 1986 World Cup Memorabilia
The valuation exceeding millions of dollars builds directly upon previous sales milestones set by items from the exact same match. In 2022, the dark blue Argentina jersey worn by Maradona during that quarter-final clash was sold at a Sotheby’s auction for a record 9,3 millions de dollars. That sale set a benchmark for game-used sports equipment and apparel, proving that items directly connected to Maradona’s performance in Mexico City command elite figures among international collectors.
Auction houses and private collectors frequently look to historical significance and verified provenance when establishing values for such items. Because Bin Nasser officiated the full 90 minutes and retained the ball at the final whistle, the item carries direct documentation that sets it apart from standard retail memorabilia. The upcoming sale tests whether market demand can surpass the high-water mark established by Maradona’s jersey two years prior.
What Comes Next for the Historic Artifact
Potential buyers and institutional collectors will have the opportunity to view and bid on the ball as public exhibition dates approach ahead of the live auction event. Industry analysts expect significant international interest from museum curators, private syndicates, and high-net-worth soccer enthusiasts looking to secure a foundational piece of sports history. Follow official auction house updates for bidding schedules and registration details as the sale date draws nearer.
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