The iconic Golden Ball trophy that legendary Argentinian soccer player Diego Maradona won at the 1986 FIFA World Cup is set to be auctioned off in June. The late soccer legend’s Golden Ball, which was previously stolen, will be sold by Aguttes auction house in France on June 6th, with an anticipated sale price of “millions” of dollars.
According to French newspaper L’Equipe, Maradona’s Golden Ball had been recovered and was among numerous trophy lots in an auction room. As one of the greatest soccer players of all time, alongside Pelé, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo, Maradona’s most significant achievement came in 1986 when he led Argentina to their second World Cup victory, scoring five goals in the tournament and winning the Golden Ball for the most outstanding player.
Although Maradona’s Golden Ball had been stolen, Aguttes was able to verify its authenticity after its recovery. This makes Maradona’s award the first FIFA World Cup Golden Ball ever to be sold at auction.