Diego Maradona's Golden Ball trophy, earned for his title as the top player at the 1986 World Cup, is slated for auction in France come June, as announced by the Aguttes auction house this Tuesday.
This marks the premiere instance of a Golden Ball being put up for auction, and although the precise value remains unconfirmed, the auction house anticipates a multimillion-dollar outcome on June 6.
Maradona, who passed away in 2020, clinched the honor after steering Argentina to World Cup triumph in Mexico, netting five goals during the finals while leading his nation as captain, participating in every minute of the tournament.
That championship is chiefly remembered for Maradona's dual strikes against England in the quarter-finals.
Maradona outmaneuvered England's goalkeeper Peter Shilton as he slammed in the initial goal with an elevated fist, later christened as the "Hand of God" goal.
The subsequent goal involved an astounding labyrinthine dribble from his own half, as he bypassed five English outfield players, later acclaimed as the "Goal of the Century."
The attire he donned on that day, alongside the match ball, has both previously changed hands at auction.
Following his stellar performance against England, Maradona proceeded to net two goals securing victory over Belgium in the semi-final, culminating in Argentina's thrilling 3-2 conquest against West Germany in the final.
The inception of the Golden Ball award dates back to the 1982 World Cup, boasting a roster of winners including Italy's Paolo Rossi, Romario and Ronaldo of Brazil, Zinedine Zidane of France, while Argentine luminary Lionel Messi stands as the sole player to have clinched the accolade twice.
Maradona's award had vanished before reemerging among various trophy lots in an auction chamber.
Recently entrusted to Aguttes, the trophy underwent scrutiny regarding its provenance, ultimately authenticated as Maradona's Adidas Golden Ball trophy.
