Maradona's 1986 World Cup ball auctioned with $2.5 million start

The Adidas Azteca ball used by Diego Maradona in the 1986 World Cup quarter‑final against England – the match that produced the "Hand of God" and the "Goal of the Century" – will be sold at auction. Heritage Auctions announced a starting bid of US$2.5 million, noting the ball’s status as a unique piece of football history. Experts suggest the final price could exceed US$10 million, citing the 2022 sale of Maradona’s match shirt for US$9.2 million as a benchmark.

The auction comes amid a surge in sports‑memorabilia demand ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Heritage’s Mike Provenzale described the ball as "the most important football artifact in existence" and highlighted the growing collector base in the United States.