The ball that Argentina star Diego Maradona used to score the infamous “Hand of God” goal against England in the 1986 World Cup is scheduled to be auctioned off and might fetch up to £3 million (Rs28crores approx).
The “Hand of God” Maradona ball could sell for Rs 28 crore at auction
Regarding Argentina’s 2-1 triumph, referee Ali Bin Nasser of Tunisia was in possession of the Adidas Azteca ball when the contentious goal was awarded. Following the sale of a Maradona shirt for £7 million earlier this year, the 79-year-old has now made the decision to auction off the athletic memorabilia.
“In accordance with FIFA’s directives announced prior to the competition, I asked my linesman to confirm the accuracy of the goal; he moved back to the halfway line to show his satisfaction.
Bobby Robson, the head coach of England, told me after the game, “You did a terrific job, but the linesman was careless,” Nasser said.
Since the ball was utilised throughout the entire game, Adam Gascoigne of Graham Budd Auctions thinks it will sell for a high price. There is no question that Maradona used this ball to score his Hand of God goal since, unlike today, when multiple balls are used during games, this was the sole ball used throughout the whole contest, according to Gascoigne.
On November 16, London will hold an auction for the recognisable ball.
Diego Maradona, who is recognised as one of the best players in sports history, shared the FIFA Player of the 20th Century award with another player. Having a low centre of gravity due to his diminutive size and combination of Maradona’s vision, passing, ball control, and dribbling ability allowed him to manoeuvre better than most other players.
His presence and leadership on the field had a significant impact on how well his team played overall, despite the fact that the opponent frequently picked him out. Along with his creative skills, he also had a good eye for goal and was a free kick expert. Being a gifted young man, Maradona earned the moniker “El Pibe de Oro” (The Golden Boy), which he carried with him throughout his career.