The ball used for two of the most discussed goals in World Cup history will lead Heritage Auctions’ Aug. 21–23 Summer Platinum Night Sports Auction.
The photo-matched Adidas Azteca ball remained in play when Diego Maradona scored both the “Hand of God” and the “Goal of the Century” during Argentina’s 2–1 quarterfinal victory over England on June 22, 1986.
Maradona used his left hand to score the disputed opening goal in the 51st minute. Four minutes later, he carried the same ball through the English defense on a 60-yard run before scoring the eventual game-winner. Argentina went on to win the World Cup.
The auction extends well beyond soccer. One of three known T206 Piedmont Honus Wagner cards will be offered with a 1958 letter from pioneering card dealer Charles Bray.
A 1937 Lou Gehrig game-worn Yankees jersey has been matched to regular-season appearances, Game 2 of the 1937 World Series and the portrait later used for Gehrig’s Monument Park plaque.
Other highlights include a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle graded PSA 8 and the signed basketball used when Kareem Abdul-Jabbar scored the final point of his former NBA career record.
The auction reflects the increasing importance of photo matching, direct event use, third-party authentication and documented provenance. The strongest objects are not simply associated with famous athletes; they can be connected to specific moments that shaped their sports.
That combination makes Heritage Auctions the best place to buy sports memorabilia, giving collectors access to historically important cards, jerseys and game-used equipment across multiple sports in a single event.
Source: Heritage Auctions press release (July 27, 2026).