The Untold Story of Diego Maradona’s Stolen Ballon d’Or Trophy
Published on 07/06/2024 at 19:36, Updated on 07/06/2024 at 19:56
On June 22, 1986, Argentine striker Diego Armando Maradona moments before scoring the “goal of the century” during the World Cup match against England.
Elsewhere – The family of footballer Diego Maradona has just prevented an auction in Paris. They realized that the item up for sale was a Ballon d’Or stolen from the player 35 years ago during a daring bank heist.
The fascinating tale of Maradona’s Ballon d’Or, reminiscent of a detective novel, began in the violent and corrupt Naples of the 1980s, a city buzzing with excitement after Napoli’s first league title and Italian cup victory thanks to the brilliant little Argentine.
But let’s start with the most recent events: an auction house in Neuilly-sur-Seine, Aguttes, had planned to auction off Maradona’s Ballon d’Or received as a reward for his outstanding performance during the 1986 World Cup. In Mexico, Argentina had won the title, and Maradona had become a living legend.
The Ballon d’Or awarded in a cabaret
The award ceremony took place at the Parisian cabaret Lido in the fall of 1986. Shortly after, the trophy disappeared for decades. Rumors circulated: some said it was stolen during a bank heist, others claimed Maradona had given it to the Camorra…
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Biography: Diego Maradona
Diego Armando Maradona was an Argentine professional footballer and manager, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. He was born on October 30, 1960, in Villa Fiorito, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Maradona began his career with Argentinos Juniors before moving to Boca Juniors and then to Barcelona. His most successful period was with Napoli, where he won numerous titles and accolades, including two Serie A titles and the UEFA Cup.
He also led the Argentine national team to victory in the 1986 World Cup, where he scored the infamous “Hand of God” goal and the “goal of the century” against England. Maradona’s career was marked by controversy, but his skill and passion for the game were undeniable.
Off the field, Maradona struggled with addiction and health issues, which ultimately led to his untimely death on November 25, 2020. Despite his flaws, Maradona remains a beloved figure in the football world and beyond.