The ball that the late Diego Maradona scored the famous “Hand of God” goal with, was auctioned on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, for a whopping $2.4 million (approximately Ksh294M).
The 36-year-old ball was owned by a Tunisian referee named Ali Bin Nasser, who officiated the match during the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal match between Argentina and England.
At first, it was reported that the ball was not sold since it failed to fetch the initial price tag of $3.4 million (approximately Ksh416M), but it was later confirmed that an anonymous buyer had purchased it.
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Maradona scored the controversial goal to put Argentina level against the Three Lions in that unforgettable encounter.
He jumped as if to head the ball, but punched it passed the English custodian Peter Shilton with one of his hands.
The English players complained to Nasser, but the referee did not rule out the goal.
After the match, Diego joked that he managed to find the back of the net with the aid of the hand of God, a prerogative linked to the star.
Four minutes after netting the equalizer, Maradona hit the back of the net again with a brilliant solo goal.
He picked the ball from the middle of the field and dribbled past nearly all the England players before tapping it to the back of the net to put Argentina ahead.
The second goal was such a beauty that it was voted the goal of the century in a poll conducted in 2002.
His two famed goals helped Argentina win the match and went on to bag the title.
Prior to placing the ball on auction, Nasser stated that it was the right time to sell it. He also hoped the lucky buyer would display it for the public to view.
In May this year, the shirt that Diego donned during the infamous match was auctioned for $9.3 million (approximately Ksh1B).
The legendary footballer passed away in 2020 at the age of 60 at his home in Buenos Aires due to heart failure.
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