Ali Ben Nasser

Born on March 2, 1944, in Tunisia, Ali Ben Nasser is a former association football referee and player. His career saw him officiate at the highest levels of the sport, becoming a familiar face on the international stage.[edit]

Ali Ben Nasser occupies a unique space in football history where the public's fascination is not driven by a dedicated cult of personality, but by a singular, legendary moment that has echoed through decades of sporting lore. Unlike modern icons with organized fanbases, birthday billboards, or specific monikers for their followers, his audience consists of historians and fans who revere him as the dignified figure at the center of the 'Hand of God' incident. There is no formal group calling themselves by a specific name to advocate for his legacy; instead, his reputation rests on mutual respect with legends like Maradona and his own quiet explanation of the technicalities surrounding that controversial call. The story of the ball gifted to him by Maradona, which later sold for millions, serves as a tangible bridge between the pitch and the present, cementing his status without the need for active fan campaigns.

This enduring presence places him firmly within the global consciousness of sports figures from North Africa. According to the latest iFANN Global Fame Rankings, Ali Ben Nasser is the 14th most famous person from Tunisia, a position he has held steady through recent cycles.[edit]

Born on March 2, 1944, in Tunisia, Ali Ben Nasser made history as the first Tunisian referee to officiate a World Cup quarter-final match. He is best known for his role in the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and England, specifically regarding the infamous 'Hand of God' goal scored by Diego Maradona. While folklore often frames this as a lapse in judgment, Nasser consistently clarified in interviews that he did not see the ball touch Maradona's hand and followed standard procedures since the assistant referee also failed to signal a foul.

A remarkable piece of this legend involves the actual ball used for the controversial goal. For years, it was assumed Nasser kept it, but reports confirm Maradona gifted the ball to him shortly after the match. In November 2022, this specific artifact was auctioned in London for nearly $2.4 million USD. Nasser described the proceeds as a 'gift from God,' highlighting the unique bond between the two men despite the controversy. Following Maradona's death in 2020, Nasser publicly praised the Argentine icon as a genius, reinforcing a narrative of friendship that transcends the disputed call.[edit]