Diego Maradona’s heirs are in a legal battle in France to stop the sale of his ‘Golden Ball’ trophy from the 1986 Mexico World Cup. The trophy, which was found by an antique dealer in Paris, is set to be auctioned at Aguttes auction house. Maradona’s family claims that the trophy rightfully belongs to them and should not be sold to the highest bidder. They argue that the trophy, given to Maradona in 1986, was stolen during a bank robbery in Naples three years later.
In recent years, Maradona memorabilia has garnered high prices at auction, with his Argentina jersey from the 1986 tournament selling for close to $9.3 million. The infamous “Hand of God” ball from the quarter-final against England also fetched $2.4 million. The family only learned about the auction of the ‘Golden Ball’ trophy recently and took immediate legal action to try to reclaim it. Their lawyer argued in court that the ball holds great sentimental value to the Argentine people and should be returned to them.
Lawyers for the auction house and the seller of the trophy claim that the Maradona family never filed a complaint about the alleged theft of the trophy. They argue that attempting to claim ownership 35 years later is opportunistic and unjust. The director of the auction house mentioned a rumor that Maradona may have forgotten the trophy at the venue the night it was awarded. The seller’s lawyer revealed that the trophy was purchased in a lot of trophies for a mere 500 euros, without realizing its potential value until later.
The court is set to make a decision on May 30 regarding the sale of the trophy, while a criminal complaint has been filed in connection with the case. It is important to note that the ‘Golden Ball’ trophy has no relation to the ‘Ballon d’Or’ award presented by France Football magazine. The authenticity of the trophy has been questioned, leading to a thorough research process to confirm its connection to Maradona’s career. The outcome of the legal battle will determine the fate of the ‘Golden Ball’ trophy and its rightful ownership.
Overall, the case surrounding Maradona’s ‘Golden Ball’ trophy is a complex one with legal, sentimental, and historical implications. The high-profile nature of the trophy, combined with its emotional value to Maradona’s family and the Argentine people, adds layers to the legal proceedings. The outcome of the court’s decision will have significant consequences for both the Maradona family and the auction house. It remains to be seen whether the trophy will be returned to its rightful owners or if it will be sold to the highest bidder, further fueling the debate surrounding the legacy of the legendary footballer.
