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Football memorabilia auctions hit new peaks

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2026-08-08 10:56 UTC → 2026-08-08 19:02 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Heritage Auctions in Texas is proceeding with its high‑profile sale of the Adidas Azteca ball used by Diego Maradona in the 1986 World Cup “Hand of God” quarter‑final. The auction runs 21‑23 August 2026 with a $2.5 million opening bid and an expected final price above $10 million. Dan Imler, vice president of sports at Heritage Auctions, has described the item as "easily the most historic ball in the realm of soccer," noting that the ball was also used for Maradona's "Goal of the Century" during the same match. Authenticity is backed by two specialist firms and a 2023 letter from referee Ali Ben Naceur, who retained the ball for decades. The lot will also include Maradona’s jersey from the same match, which fetched $9.3 million in a 2022 sale. The event coincides with renewed Argentina‑England rivalry and the ongoing Falkland Islands sovereignty dispute, underscoring the cultural and geopolitical resonance of the memorabilia market.

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