Diego Maradona’s Golden Ball trophy, awarded for being named the best player at the 1986 World Cup, is set to be auctioned in France in June, announced the Aguttes auction house on Tuesday.
This iconic piece, the first of its kind to be auctioned, is expected to fetch millions when it goes under the hammer on June 6th. Maradona, who passed away in 2020, earned this prestigious accolade after leading Argentina to World Cup victory in Mexico, where he showcased his brilliance by scoring five goals and captaining his country throughout the tournament.
The 1986 World Cup is etched in football history, particularly for Maradona’s unforgettable performance against England in the quarter-finals. His two goals during that match stand as legendary moments: the first, dubbed the “Hand of God,” saw Maradona outjump England’s Peter Shilton and score with a raised fist. The second goal, often referred to as the “Goal of the Century,” showcased Maradona’s extraordinary skill as he dribbled past five English outfield players in a mesmerizing run from his own half.
Both the jersey worn by Maradona during that historic match and the ball used in the game have previously been sold at auction. Following his standout display against England, Maradona continued his heroics by scoring two goals in the semi-final against Belgium, leading Argentina to a thrilling 3-2 victory over West Germany in the final.