The world's oldest football is set to travel from Scotland across the Atlantic Ocean for the first time to be part of a FIFA World Cup exhibition. This remarkable historical artefact, one of Scotland's most treasured items, will leave its home at the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum to be displayed at the Coral Gables Museum in Miami.
Exhibition Details
The historic ball will feature in the Coral Gables Museum's headline exhibition titled Diplomacy and the Beautiful Game: From Scotland to Brazil to Haiti, running from 20 to 26 June. The exhibition offers a unique perspective on how football has shaped identities across cultures. Additionally, the ball will attend the World Cup match between Brazil and Scotland on 24 June, marking the first time in its nearly 500-year history that it will be present at a FIFA World Cup game.
Farewell Ceremony
Before its departure, the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum will host a special farewell ceremony on Friday, 19 June. The football was discovered lodged behind oak panelling in the Queen's Chamber at Stirling Castle during renovation works in the 1970s. Scientific testing dated it between 1540 and 1570, the era of James V and the young Mary, Queen of Scots.
Physical Characteristics
Approximately the size of a small melon, the football is made from thick leather panels stitched together and turned inside out for a smoother and more aerodynamic surface. A pig's bladder forms the inner core. Recognised by Guinness World Records as the oldest football in the world, it has also been featured as one of the History of Scotland in 25 Objects.
Historical Context
Records show that football was popular in Scotland from the 15th century, with Mary, Queen of Scots herself known to have taken an interest in sport. It is possible that the football was used within the courtyards and royal gardens of Stirling Castle, making its journey to a modern World Cup all the more fitting.
Comments from Officials
Caroline Mathers, Director of the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, said: "This is one of the most exciting moments in the recent history of the Smith. The world's oldest football belongs to Stirling, and to see it travel to the United States to take its place alongside the world's greatest football tournament is a source of enormous pride. It is a reminder that a small, free-to-enter museum in central Scotland holds objects of genuine international importance—treasures that tell the story of our nation to the world. We are delighted to share it on the global stage, and we look forward to welcoming it home again."
Neil Benny, Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Smith, added: "The Smith plays a vital role in the cultural life of Stirling and central Scotland, and this loan is a powerful demonstration of that role. We are grateful for the continued support of Stirling Council and our partners, whose backing makes it possible for the museum to care for and share collections of this calibre. An object that has been part of Stirling's story for nearly five centuries is now an ambassador for the city on the world stage. We hope it inspires people across central Scotland to come and discover everything else the Smith has to offer."
Honorary Consul of Brazil Faroque Hussain KPM commented: "This partnership brings together Scotland, Brazil and Miami through a shared love of culture, heritage and football. It is a privilege to help support the journey of such an extraordinary object from Stirling to the global stage, and to celebrate the historic links and friendships that make this project possible. We are proud to work with the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, the Consulate General of Brazil in Miami, Coral Gables Museum and our sponsors and supporters to share this remarkable story with audiences in the United States."
