The heirs of Diego Armando Maradona have taken legal action to halt the auction of the Ballon d'Or awarded to him for his outstanding performance in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. Maradona's children are determined to ensure that the trophy does not 'disappear again,' as stated by their lawyer, Gilles Moreu. The demand was made to French justice on the grounds that the award was stolen in a 1989 bank robbery in Naples orchestrated by the Italian mafia.
The Paris auction house, Aguttes, had planned to auction the Ballon d'Or on June 6, but it decided to postpone the event due to the ongoing legal dispute and the 'contentious climate' surrounding the trophy. Specialists had estimated that the auction could exceed 10 million euros, potentially making it the most expensive sports object in history. However, Maradona's family wants the ball to be confiscated by authorities until the investigation is concluded.
The origin of Maradona's Ballon d'Or dates back to 1986 when he was recognized as the best player of the World Cup at a ceremony in Paris. Following the award ceremony, the trophy was kept in a Naples bank alongside other valuable items belonging to Maradona, including high-end watches and precious family heirlooms. On October 26, 1989, members of the Misso Clan of the Neapolitan Camorra robbed the bank, seizing many of Maradona's treasures, including the Ballon d'Or.
The current controversy began when the trophy resurfaced years later. It was acquired by a collector, Abdelhamid B., at an auction in Paris in 2016. Despite Maradona's family's claim that the trophy was stolen, French justice considers Abdelhamid B. the legitimate owner since he purchased it in good faith. The auction house Aguttes confirmed the authenticity of the Ballon d'Or and had slated it for sale before the legal challenge emerged.
Maradona's family discovered the impending auction through Aguttes' announcement. They immediately sought to halt the sale, arguing that the trophy is rightfully theirs. The Versailles Court of Appeal is currently examining the case, and a ruling is expected soon. In the meantime, the trophy remains in a legal limbo, with Maradona's heirs eager for a resolution that honors their father's legacy and ownership rights.
- The legal battle over the Ballon d'Or is just the latest chapter in the tumultuous saga of Maradona's life and legacy. From his legendary career on the field to his personal struggles and controversies, the Argentine football icon continues to captivate the world even after his passing in November 2020.
- Maradona's extraordinary talent made him a football legend, and the 1986 World Cup, where he led Argentina to victory, remains one of the highlights of his career. The Ballon d'Or he received for his performance is not part of the official Ballons d'Or awarded to the best player of the year, which were initially reserved for European players.
