The long-lost Golden Ball trophy, awarded to football legend Diego Maradona for his exceptional performance in the 1986 World Cup, has resurfaced and is slated for auction in France on 6th June, announced the Aguttes auction house on Tuesday.
The prestigious item, anticipated to fetch millions, marks a significant moment in football history, encapsulating Maradona’s unparalleled talent and legacy.
According to Francois Thierry, a sports expert at Aguttes, “There are a lot of stories and legends like it was stolen by the mafia to make gold. We did all the necessary checks and called the police about it. We have had the ball for about one year. We did a lot of research about it since there are a lot of details in terms of manufacturer comments until we could say it was a good one.”
The journey of the Golden Ball took an unexpected turn when an anonymous buyer acquired it in 2016 as part of a collection at an auction in France, oblivious to its significance.
Thierry explained, “He bought it with many other things, at the beginning he did not know it was something important. In the case he bought there were a lot of trophies. He then searched on the internet and found it could be the Golden Ball. He tried to call Maradona and the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), but had no luck.”
Maradona’s impact during the 1986 World Cup, particularly his iconic goals against England in the quarter-finals, etched his name in football history. His infamous “Hand of God” goal, followed by the mesmerizing “Goal of the Century,” showcased his incomparable skill and determination on the field.
Thierry highlighted the importance of the trophy, stating, “The trophy symbolizes the pinnacle of his career and he is the player of the century. We can see there were some results from before when his jersey against England in 1986 was sold for I think £9m and the ball of the game went for £2m, so we expect millions.”
With Maradona’s legacy enduring through cherished memorabilia and unforgettable moments, the rediscovery of the Golden Ball serves as a great reminder of his indelible mark on the beautiful game. As football enthusiasts eagerly await the auction, the Golden Ball stands as a testament to Maradona’s unmatched talent and enduring legacy.