​Maradona’s Legendary 'Hand of God' Ball Expected to Fetch $10 Million at Auction

Diego Maradona’s "Hand of God" has carved its place in history as one of football's most talked-about goals. Now, the iconic ball from that memorable match is headed to the auction block. Used for both of Maradona's famous goals against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final, the ball is being auctioned in the United States. Auction house Heritage Auctions estimates that the ball could fetch at least $10 million—roughly 1.23 billion Bangladeshi Taka.

Texas-based Heritage Auctions will hold the event from August 21 to 23. The starting bid for the ball has been set at $2.5 million, which translates to approximately 309.4 million Bangladeshi Taka. According to Dan Imler, vice president of sports auctions at Heritage Auctions, it is one of the most memorable footballs in history because both of Maradona's iconic goals at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City were scored with it.

Argentina won the match 2-1. In the 51st minute, while contesting a high ball with England goalkeeper Peter Shilton, Maradona used his left hand to punch the ball into the net. Missed by the referee, that goal later became known as the "Hand of God." Just four minutes later, using the very same ball, Maradona scored another unbelievable goal. Picking up the ball in his own half, he ran nearly 60 yards, dribbled past four English defenders, and rounded Shilton to score—a strike later named the "Goal of the Century."

That single ball, a witness to two historic goals from the same match, is now up for auction. Maradona's shirt from that match previously sold for $93 million, setting a record as the most expensive football jersey in history. Now, the potential $10 million price tag on the ball has brought that record back into the spotlight. It remains to be seen whether the ball can make history just as the goals did.