Diego Maradona’s Golden Ball trophy, awarded to him for being named the best player at the 1986 World Cup, will be up for auction in France on June 6. This marks the first time a Golden Ball trophy will be auctioned off, and there are high expectations for the amount it will fetch. The auction house, Aguttes, is confident that the trophy will sell for millions.
Maradona’s World Cup Victory
Maradona, who sadly passed away in 2020, received the prestigious award after leading Argentina to World Cup victory in Mexico. His outstanding performance included scoring five goals during the tournament, where he not only captained his country but also played every minute of every game. One of the most memorable moments from that tournament was Maradona’s controversial “Hand of God” goal against England in the quarterfinals.
The first of Maradona’s goals against England involved him outjumping goalkeeper Peter Shilton and using his hand to punch the ball into the net. This goal was later famously referred to as the “Hand of God.” The second goal, known as the “Goal of the Century,” showcased Maradona’s incredible skill as he dribbled past five English outfield players from his own half to score. These iconic goals solidified Maradona’s status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Following his remarkable display against England, Maradona continued to shine throughout the tournament. He scored two more goals in the semifinal against Belgium and led Argentina to a thrilling 3-2 victory over West Germany in the final. Maradona’s Golden Ball award from the 1986 World Cup joins the prestigious list of winners, which includes legendary players like Paolo Rossi, Romario, Ronaldo, and Zinedine Zidane. Notably, Lionel Messi is the only player to have won the award twice.
Recovery of the Trophy
In a surprising turn of events, it was reported that Maradona’s Golden Ball trophy had been stolen at one point but has since resurfaced among several trophy lots in an auction room. Aguttes, the auction house in charge of the upcoming sale, conducted a thorough investigation into the trophy’s provenance and successfully authenticated it as Maradona’s original Adidas Golden Ball trophy. This adds an intriguing layer of history and mystery to the upcoming auction.
The auction of Diego Maradona’s Golden Ball trophy presents an exciting opportunity for football fans and collectors alike to own a piece of sporting history. With Maradona’s legacy firmly cemented in the annals of football history, the significance of this trophy extends far beyond its material value. As the auction date approaches, anticipation builds for the final price that this iconic piece of memorabilia will command.
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