Diego Maradona’s iconic Golden Ball trophy, awarded to him for being the best player at the 1986 World Cup, is set to be auctioned off in France on June 6, according to the Aguttes auction house. This represents a historic moment as it is the first time a Golden Ball award is going under the hammer. The value of this prestigious trophy is yet to be confirmed, but experts predict that it could fetch millions at the upcoming auction.
Maradona’s Legacy at the 1986 World Cup
Maradona, who sadly passed away in 2020, clinched the Golden Ball after leading Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup held in Mexico. He dazzled fans with his extraordinary skills, scoring five sensational goals throughout the tournament while captaining his country and playing every minute on the field. One of the most iconic moments of that World Cup was Maradona’s controversial ‘Hand of God’ goal against England in the quarterfinals. This infamous goal, scored by punching the ball into the net with a raised fist, was followed by a breathtaking solo goal that was later hailed as the “Goal of the Century.”
The Golden Ball award, first introduced at the 1982 World Cup, has been presented to footballing legends such as Italy’s Paolo Rossi, Brazilian stars Romario and Ronaldo, as well as French maestro Zinedine Zidane. A notable fact is that Argentine superstar Lionel Messi is the only player to have won the prestigious accolade twice in his career. Maradona’s Golden Ball trophy is a cherished piece of football history that symbolizes his brilliance on the field.
There had been reports that Maradona’s Golden Ball award had been stolen at one point, but it has now resurfaced among several trophy lots in an auction room. The trophy was later entrusted to the Aguttes auction house, where thorough investigations were conducted to verify its authenticity as Maradona’s official Adidas Golden Ball trophy. The upcoming auction is expected to draw significant interest from football enthusiasts and collectors worldwide who wish to own a piece of Maradona’s enduring legacy in the sport.
The auctioning of Diego Maradona’s Golden Ball trophy represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of footballing history from one of the greatest players to have ever graced the beautiful game. The significance of this trophy transcends its monetary value, serving as a tangible link to Maradona’s unparalleled talent and impact on the world of football. As the auction date approaches, anticipation grows for the bidding war that will determine the new custodian of this legendary piece of sporting memorabilia.
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