A historic artefact from the 1986 FIFA World Cup, the match ball from the Argentina vs. Germany final held at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, was recently auctioned for an astounding 36,000 GBP.
This wasn't just any football, but the Adidas Azteca, a ball that marked a significant evolution in football technology and design. Incorporating intricate motifs inspired by the ancient Aztec civilisation, the white Adidas Azteca comprises 32 pentagonal panels with sinuous black & white designs that draw from the architecture and murals of a culture that thrived in central Mexico between the 14th and 16th centuries. Nestled within these motifs are white discs, showcasing the Adidas branding and affirming the Azteca's status as the official ball for the 1986 World Cup.
But what truly sets the Azteca apart is its revolutionary design. The first-ever polyurethane-coated, rain-resistant, fully synthetic match ball, it was specially crafted for optimal performance on hard, rough, and wet surfaces. Hand-sewn, the Azteca features an exterior polyurethane coat, accompanied by three distinct 'Adicron' layers, a term coined by Adidas. These layers ensure durability, shape retention, and waterproofing.
The ball’s authenticity is further solidified by a signed letter of provenance from Romualdo Arppi Filho, the Brazilian FIFA referee for the match. Additionally, the ball bears autographs from Filho and his assistants, Erik Fredriksson and Bernylloa Morea.
This auctioned piece is not just a memento of a thrilling final but a testament to Adidas' ambition to innovate in a high-altitude, challenging environment, just as Mexico's rainy season began.
This item was sold by Graham Budd Auctions, a specialist in sporting memorabilia.
