Diego Maradona – (Photo: Reproduction)
The Ballon d’Or trophy, won by Diego Maradona at the 1986 World Cup, will be auctioned next month in France. The announcement was made by the auction house Aguttes, this Tuesday.
This is the first Ballon d’Or offered to the best player at a World Cup to be auctioned. Maradona was chosen as the big name of the competition. He found the net five times and also led Argentina to the title in Mexico.
Although the value has not yet been confirmed, the expectation is that the piece will reach a high price due to its historical value. The auction is scheduled for June 6th.
The trophy carries an unusual story. After receiving the award, the Argentine star kept the piece at the Banco della Província in Naples. In 1989, however, the financial institution was the target of a robbery. In addition to the large sum of money, the criminals also stole Maradona’s Ballon d’Or.
Years later, the prize was found again among several lots of trophies in an auction room. The Aguttes house investigated the origin and authenticated the piece as legitimate.
The 86 World Cup is mainly remembered for the two goals scored by number 10 in the victory over England, in a game valid for the quarter-finals of the competition.
He opened the scoring by scoring a hand goal by raising his fist and deceiving English goalkeeper Peter Shilton. Later, the controversial star said that the goal was scored by the “Hand of God.”
Afterwards, Maradona defined the match by starting a run from midfield. He passed four opponents, dribbled past the archer, and secured a 2-0 victory.
