France Football have no intention of handing out the Super Ballon d'Or again, according to reports, but do they know its whereabouts?
First off, let's explain the origins behind this trophy. To mark its 30th anniversary, France Football announced the Super Ballon d'Or – a prize awarded to the best European player of the last three decades.
Di Stefano, who won two Ballon d'Ors in 1957 and 1959, played for both Argentina and Colombia at international level, but qualified through Spanish citizenship.
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The former River Plate and Real Madrid forward scored 308 goals for Los Blancos and played an integral role in five consecutive European Cup wins between 1956 and 1960.
As a result of his achievements, Di Stefano beat the likes of Johan Cruyff and Michel Platini to the prize after journalists and previous Ballon d'Or winners voted for their victor.
The one-of-a-kind award would be displayed inside Real Madrid's museum at the Santiago Bernabeu for years.
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But in September 2021, Stefano's children decided to auction off 796 prized possessions belonging to the estate of Alfredo Di Stéfano and as part of the event, his Super Ballon d'Or trophy was put up for sale.
According to North American company Julien's auctions, it sold for £187,500.
So what happened to one of the most prestigious trophies in football history? Well, it is currently 'missing', according to Spanish outlet Marca, who say the item's whereabouts remains unknown.
"As with many works of art, the only trace that remains is the money paid," the report adds.
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Di Stefano's two other Ballon d'Ors were also put up for sale at the London-based auction. His 1957 trophy sold for £60,800, while the 1959 model made £54,400.
Other items sold include a Champions League winners medal that went for £35,200 and his Stanley Matthews testimonial jersey worth £22,400.
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Featured Image Credit: Getty Images - MarcaTopics: Real Madrid, Ballon d'Or, Lionel Messi
