“Maradona’s sweat still sticking to the ball” — Netizens react to Maradona’s “Hand of God” ball auctioned for S$3.27M

Netizens are responding to recent news of legendary football player Maradona’s “Hand of God Ball” reaching S$3.27 million at an auction.

With the 2023 FIFA World Cup, finally, at hand, football fans around the world are already getting into the sport’s festive season. To start things off, a special football has been auctioned off for a hefty sum of S$3.27 million.

Football superfans know that the goal scored by Diego Maradona at the 1986 World Cup is one of his most famous goals. At that time, Argentina, whom Maradona was playing for, was up against England in a quarterfinals match. Argentina went home the winner that day, beating England two to one. Shortly after that, Argentina eventually won the 1986 World Cup.

According to recent news, the very ball that Maradona scored that famous goal with, was sold at an auction on Wednesday (Nov 16).

In response to this news, a handful of football-loving netizens took to the comments section on Facebook to share their thoughts on the grand sale. “The mighty Maradona,” one said. Another joked, saying, “Maradona’s sweat is still sticking to the ball.”

Yet another wrote, “I touched a football at National Stadium back in the 90s…(I) wonder what it’s worth now?” Two commented on the state of the ball, saying “Looks cannot be inflated anymore,” and “pump up the ball…it looks so sad.”

Still, one online user didn’t quite understand why such a big amount would be spent on an unusable football. “Got money? Give to charities…” the person wrote. “Spending on this ball???”