Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ ball heads to U.S. auction

Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God'

One of the most controversial goals in World Cup history, the 'Hand of God' goal in 1986 came when Diego Maradona punched the ball into England's net during the 1986 World Cup quarterfinals.

England said the ball bounced off Maradona's hand, not his head.

Argentina's Diego Maradona, left, beats England goalkeeper Peter Shilton to a high ball and scores his first of two goals in a World Cup quarterfinal soccer match, in Mexico City, June 22, 1986. (AP Photo/El Grafico, Buenos Aires)

NEW YORK - The soccer ball that Diego Maradona used to score his notorious “Hand of God” goal during Argentina’s win over England in the 1986 World Cup is expected to sell for US$10 million at a U.S. auction this month.

Maradona’s goal in the quarter-final match saw him illegally punch the ball into the net -- a foul missed by the referee.

After the match, the Argentine star said his goal was scored “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God.” His nation went on to win the World Cup.

Heritage Auctions, based in Texas, expects the ball will sell for eight figures when it goes under the hammer from Aug. 21 to 23, with a $2.5 million opening bid.

The jersey that Maradona, who died in November 2020, wore during the Argentina-England clash currently holds the record for the most expensive soccer shirt -- standing at $9.3 million.

Tensions between old foes Argentina and England flared again in a semi-final at this year’s World Cup, where the South American side prevailed before losing the final.

Politically, the two sides have a long-standing sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands.