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BGenerally CredibleWorld🌎Latin America⚠ Coverage gap8/24/2026, 5:00:24 AM
1986 World Cup 'Hand of God' match ball sold at auction for $3.35 million

1986 World Cup 'Hand of God' match ball sold at auction for $3.35 million

The football used during the 1986 World Cup quarter-final match between Argentina and England has been sold at auction for $3.35 million. The ball is famous for being the object Diego Maradona used to score a controversial goal with his hand.

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The match ball from the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and England has officially been sold for $3.35 million. The ball gained historical significance during the match in Mexico City when Argentine player Diego Maradona scored a goal by punching the ball into the net past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton.

Maradona famously referred to the play as the 'Hand of God' in post-match comments, a phrase that has since become synonymous with the incident. The referee at the time did not see the foul, and the goal was allowed to stand, helping Argentina secure a 2-1 victory. The ball was owned for decades by the match referee, Ali Bin Nasser, who decided to put the item up for auction. The sale price reflects the high value placed on sports memorabilia associated with iconic moments in football history. While the goal remains a subject of debate among fans regarding sportsmanship and officiating, the ball itself is now considered one of the most valuable pieces of football history ever sold.

📡 Media Analysis

How each outlet framed the story — angles, word choices, and what they chose to push or ignore.

Al JazeeraCenterA+

Provided a brief, factual summary of the sale price and the historical context of the goal.

"dubbing it the ‘Hand of God’"

"used his hand to score"

🔍 What Nobody's Reporting

  • ·The identity of the buyer was not disclosed in the report.
  • ·No information was provided regarding the specific auction house that facilitated the sale.

📰 Sources

0 A-rated source(s) among 1 total. Lowest trust: Al Jazeera (B)