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Maradona's 1986 Golden Ball: A Priceless Piece of Football History

Little is said about the Golden Ball that Diego Maradona won in 1986 and that was stolen from him.

By Luis Antonio Zamora

Little is said about the Golden Ball that Diego Maradona won in 1986 and that was stolen from him.
Little is said about the Golden Ball that Diego Maradona won in 1986 and that was stolen from him.
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Diego Maradona received a Ballon d'Or for his great performance in the 1986 World Cup but it was stolen by the Italian mafia in 1989 and he never got it back, although this year it was auctioned with bids starting at $15 million, making it the most valuable trophy in soccer.

Maradona's Golden Ball: A Trophy for the Ages

Diego Maradona's 1986 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball trophy is a symbol of one of the greatest individual performances in football history. Awarded to the best player of the tournament, this trophy is a testament to Maradona's extraordinary talent and impact on the game.

A Tournament for the Ages

The 1986 World Cup in Mexico was a tournament that showcased Maradona's brilliance. His iconic performances, including the "Hand of God" goal and the "Goal of the Century" against England, captivated the world. His ability to dribble past defenders, create scoring opportunities, and score goals made him the undisputed star of the tournament.

The Golden Ball: A Well-Deserved Honor

The Golden Ball award is given to the best player of the FIFA World Cup. Maradona's exceptional performances throughout the tournament, particularly in the knockout stages, made him a clear choice for the award. His ability to single-handedly inspire his team to victory and his impact on the game were unparalleled.

A Controversial Trophy

In recent years, there has been controversy surrounding the ownership of Maradona's 1986 Golden Ball. The trophy was reportedly stolen and later recovered. Its ownership has been disputed, leading to legal battles and public interest.

A Legacy That Lives On

Despite the controversies surrounding its ownership, Maradona's 1986 Golden Ball remains a symbol of his greatness. It represents a time when football was pure and when individual brilliance could decide the fate of a nation. Maradona's legacy, both on and off the field, continues to inspire and captivate fans around the world.

Diego Maradona: A Legacy of Awards and Honors

Diego Maradona, one of the greatest footballers of all time, has a long list of accolades and awards to his name. His exceptional talent, leadership, and charisma have earned him recognition both on and off the field.

Here are some of Maradona's most significant awards and honors:

  • FIFA World Cup Golden Ball (1986): Awarded to the best player of the tournament, this honor recognized Maradona's outstanding performances in leading Argentina to World Cup glory.
  • FIFA Player of the 20th Century: This prestigious award, shared with Pelé, cemented Maradona's status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
  • South American Footballer of the Year (6 times): Maradona was named South American Footballer of the Year six times, a testament to his dominance in South American football.
  • Italian Serie A Titles (2): Maradona led Napoli to two Serie A titles, a remarkable achievement for an Italian club outside of the traditional powerhouses.
  • UEFA Cup (1): Maradona captained Napoli to victory in the UEFA Cup in 1989, bringing European glory to the club.

Beyond these official awards, Maradona's impact on the sport is immeasurable. His skill, passion, and charisma have inspired generations of footballers and fans alike. His legacy will continue to live on for years to come.

Golden Ball Winners: Football's Elite

The Ballon d'Or, often referred to as the most prestigious individual award in football, is bestowed annually to the player deemed the best in the world. Over the years, the trophy has been claimed by some of the greatest footballers to have graced the pitch.

A Brief History

Initially, the Ballon d'Or was exclusively awarded to European players. However, in recent years, the eligibility criteria have been expanded to include players from all continents, making it a truly global award.

Notable Winners

  • European Dominance: In the early years, European players dominated the award, with names like Alfredo Di Stéfano, Johan Cruyff, and Michel Platini securing multiple wins.
  • The Dutch Era: Dutch footballers enjoyed a golden period in the 1970s, with Cruyff, Johan Neeskens, and Ruud Gullit claiming the award.
  • The French Connection: French players like Michel Platini and Zinedine Zidane had successful stints with the Ballon d'Or.
  • The Modern Era: With the expansion of eligibility, players from South America and other continents started winning the award. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the award in recent years, with a combined total of 12 wins between them.

Recent Trends

  • Team Success: While individual performances are crucial, team success often plays a significant role in determining the winner. Players who lead their teams to major trophies, such as the Champions League or World Cup, often have an advantage.
  • Consistency: Sustained excellence over an entire season is highly valued by the voting panel. Players who maintain a high level of performance throughout the year are more likely to win the award.
  • Global Impact: The Ballon d'Or is now truly a global award, with players from different leagues and continents competing for the honor.

The Future of the Ballon d'Or

As football continues to evolve, so too will the criteria for winning the Ballon d'Or. With new talents emerging from different parts of the world, the future of the award promises to be exciting. One thing is certain: the Ballon d'Or will continue to be a highly coveted prize, recognizing the very best in the sport.



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