Maradona’s Hair Allegedly Cut in Dubai Listed for $52,000 Auction

A lock of hair, claimed to have been clipped from football legend Diego Maradona during his time in Dubai, is up for auction with a starting price of USD 52,000. The lock, framed and accompanied by other memorabilia, has sparked debate over its authenticity. 

Maradona, who managed UAE clubs Al Wasl and Fujairah and served as an ambassador for Dubai Sports Council, lived in Dubai for nearly a decade before passing away in 2020. While his global legacy continues to inspire, items tied to the football icon often draw hefty price tags. A shirt he wore during the 1986 World Cup, famous for the “Hand of God” goal, sold for USD 7 million in 2022. 

The auction, held by French house Aguttes, includes Maradona’s Golden Ball award from the 1986 tournament and a signed Argentina jersey. However, doubts surround the hair clipping, allegedly collected in Maradona’s Palm Jumeirah home by Stefano Ceci, a close friend and manager of Maradona. Ceci claims he kept the hair from a haircut in 2018, stating its authenticity is based on his long-standing relationship with the late footballer. 

Celebrity barber Mohamad Mir Ebrahim, who cut Maradona’s hair several times during his Dubai tenure, disputes the claim. Known for styling celebrities at his Business Bay barbershop, Ebrahim says no scientific DNA testing has been conducted to confirm the hair’s origins. 

The debate underscores the challenges of verifying high-value memorabilia. While DNA testing and other modern techniques exist, experts say they often rely on provenance and trusted sources for validation. With no DNA sample available, Aguttes has leaned on Ceci’s testimony and a trove of other items from Maradona’s life. 

Despite the controversy, collectors and fans of Maradona may still see the lock as a rare and sentimental piece of football history.