Stanley Matthews’ 1956 Ballon d’Or to return to Manchester museum | OneFootball

According to L'Équipe, Stanley Matthews’ first Ballon d’Or, awarded in 1956, will return to the National Football Museum in Manchester after being lost, recovered and nearly sold at auction. The trophy is set to go back on public display, matching the winner’s original intention.

Matthews received the award on 6 February 1957 at Blackpool Town Hall. His daughter recalled he was recognised everywhere despite disguises, and he always engaged with fans. His renown stretched beyond England, built on dazzling dribbling, remarkable longevity and fair play, with no bookings in 701 professional matches.

He moved back to Stoke in 1989 and became honorary president of Stoke City, having starred there from 1932 to 1947 and again from 1961 to 1965. In 1995 he said he no longer knew where the Ballon d’Or was, misplaced during numerous moves. It was later found and, shortly after his death, the family entrusted it to Stoke City for display at the Britannia Stadium.

In 2015 the trophy was transferred to the National Football Museum, where it stood alongside George Best’s 1968 award until last year. Mandy, his granddaughter, said the family wanted people to remember both the accolade and Matthews’ humility and closeness to supporters.

Mandy added that after Matt’s death she and her mother struggled with the idea of parting with the Ballon d’Or, so they asked the museum to take it back. The museum agreed enthusiastically, clearing the way for the trophy’s return to public view in Manchester.

Source: L'Équipe