In 1991, the four-time All-American Michelle Akers led the United States Women’s Soccer team to a historic victory in the inaugural FIFA Women’s World Cup, held in the Guangdong province of China. Akers, an industrious striker who scored the first goal in United States history, headlined a fearsome United States attack dubbed the “triple-edged sword” by local media. Playing as the center forward in a front three, Akers tore through opposing defenders in a series of indomitable performances, scoring 10 goals in the tournament to win the prestigious Golden Boot award. Akers lashed five goals past Chinese Taipei during a dominant 7-0 win in the quarterfinals and added her final two goals of the tournament in the final, a 2-1 victory over Norway -- the United States’ fiercest rival at the time.

Akers scored the winner in the 78th minute of the 80-minute final, putting pressure on the Norweigian backline to force a sub-par back pass to goalkeeper Reidun Seth, with Akers rounding the flailing shot-stopper and passing home the ball into an empty net. In an instant, the United States were world champions for the first time, beginning an era of unparalleled and unequaled excellence in global soccer that continues to this day. Akers was the top scorer of the tournament and the Silver Ball winner, with the Gold Ball trophy headed to her attacking partner and Team USA number 12 Carin Jennings.

Offered in this lot is Michelle Akers’ personally owned 1991 FIFA Women’s World Cup Silver Ball award. This duplicate trophy, which replaced her original one that was damaged on the way back from China, takes the shape of a silver soccer ball atop a slim silver pedastal. The trophy measures approximately 17 ½  inches tall. This trophy comes with a LOA signed by Michelle Akers. A portion of the proceeds shall benefit the Michelle Akers Horse Rescue and Outreach Inc.

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