After years of speculation and swirling rumours, a significant piece of football history is set to return to the spotlight. The 1986 World Cup Golden Ball trophy, awarded to the legendary Diego Maradona for being named the best player of the tournament, has been rediscovered and will be offered for auction in France on June 6th.
The Aguttes auction house, responsible for bringing this coveted trophy back into the public eye, anticipates it fetching millions. This news comes as a thrilling development for fans and collectors alike, especially considering the enigmatic journey the Golden Ball has taken.
Maradona, whose on-field brilliance and larger-than-life personality captivated the world, led Argentina to a dominant victory in the 1986 World Cup held in Mexico. The Golden Ball trophy, a symbol of his unparalleled performance that year, seemingly vanished soon after.
“There are a lot of stories and legends,” shared Francois Thierry, a sports expert at Aguttes, with BBC Sport. “Some say it was stolen by the mafia, even melted down for gold!” This statement reflects the air of mystery that surrounded the trophy’s disappearance.
Aguttes, however, assure the public that they’ve conducted thorough investigations and verifications. “We’ve had the ball for about a year now,” Thierry explained. “We’ve done extensive research, examining every detail, including manufacturer information, to confirm its authenticity.”
The story behind the trophy’s reappearance adds another layer of intrigue. In 2016, an anonymous buyer unknowingly acquired the Golden Ball at an auction in France. “He purchased it alongside many other items,” Thierry revealed, “and initially had no idea of its significance.” The buyer, amidst a collection of various trophies, stumbled upon online information suggesting he might possess the missing Maradona Golden Ball.
Despite attempts to contact both Maradona himself and FIFA, the buyer was unable to establish the trophy’s true identity. Now, with Aguttes facilitating the auction, the Golden Ball is poised to reclaim its place in football history.
The 1986 World Cup remains etched in memory for many due to Maradona’s iconic goals against England in the quarter-final. One goal, later famously described as the “Hand of God,” saw Maradona punch the ball into the net, sparking controversy that continues to this day. The other, widely hailed as the “Goal of the Century,” showcased Maradona’s electrifying talent as he dribbled past five English defenders from his own half before scoring. Both the jersey he wore during that match and the actual ball used in the game have previously been sold at auction for astronomical sums.
“This trophy embodies the peak of Maradona’s career,” declared Thierry. “He is undeniably a player of the century. Considering past auctions, like his 1986 England jersey fetching £9 million and the match ball selling for £2 million, we expect the Golden Ball to command millions as well.”
The reappearance of Maradona’s Golden Ball trophy is not simply an auction event; it’s a chance to revisit a chapter in football history dominated by a singular talent. This iconic award, soon to be available to the highest bidder, represents an opportunity to own a piece of that legend.
