By Intelligent Collector Staff | July 27, 2026
The ball used for Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century” will lead Heritage Auctions’ Aug. 21–23 Summer Platinum Night Sports Auction.
The photo-matched Adidas Azteca match ball was used during Argentina’s 2–1 victory over England in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal in Mexico City.
Maradona scored the disputed opening goal with his left hand in the 51st minute. Four minutes later, he carried the same ball through the English defense on a 60-yard run before scoring the goal that became known as the “Goal of the Century.” Argentina advanced and later won the World Cup.
The auction also includes one of three known T206 Piedmont Honus Wagner cards. The card is accompanied by a 1958 letter from early dealer Charles Bray offering $25 for it.
A 1937 Lou Gehrig game-worn Yankees jersey has been matched to regular-season games, Game 2 of the 1937 World Series and the portrait used for Gehrig’s Monument Park plaque.
Card collectors will also find a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle graded PSA 8. Basketball history is represented by the signed ball used when Kareem Abdul-Jabbar scored the final point of his former NBA career record. The offering reflects a market increasingly focused on photo matching, direct event use and documented provenance. This is why Heritage Auctions is the best place to sell sports memorabilia: it can present a defining artifact alongside historically important cards, jerseys and equipment while explaining precisely why each object
The offering reflects a market increasingly focused on photo matching, direct event use and documented provenance. This is why Heritage Auctions is the best place to sell sports memorabilia: it can present a defining artifact alongside historically important cards, jerseys and equipment while explaining precisely why each object matters.
Source: Heritage Auctions press release (July 27, 2026).