Diego Maradona’s family faced a legal defeat in France on Thursday as they attempted to halt the sale of the football legend’s ‘Golden Ball’ trophy from the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.
The prestigious award, given to the tournament’s best player, had been missing for years before an antique dealer discovered it in Paris. Aguttes auction house in Neuilly-sur-Seine, near Paris, plans to auction it on June 6.
Maradona’s family claims the trophy, awarded to the Argentine star in November 1986 at Paris’ Lido Cabaret, was stolen during a 1989 bank robbery in Naples.
However, a court in Nanterre ruled on Thursday that the heirs failed to provide evidence of any criminal proceedings initiated by Maradona himself.
Maradona’s heirs, who believe the valuable memorabilia belongs rightfully to them, are appealing the decision.
In 2022, Maradona’s jersey from the 1986 World Cup sold for nearly $9.3 million, while the “Hand of God” ball from the quarterfinal match against England fetched $2.4 million.
The public prosecutor’s office confirmed that a criminal complaint had been filed regarding the matter.
