The world's oldest football has embarked on a special journey to the United States, aiming to bring good luck to Scotland's World Cup campaign. The historic ball, believed to be around 500 years old, was discovered lodged in the rafters behind oak panelling in the Queen's Chamber at Stirling Castle. It has been a key exhibit at the Smith Art Gallery and Museum in Stirling but is now heading to Miami for an exhibition ahead of Scotland's final group stage match against Brazil on June 24.
Journey to the United States
The football left Stirling on Friday morning, bound for the Coral Gables Museum in Miami. It will be featured in the exhibition 'Diplomacy and the Beautiful Game From Scotland to Brazil to Haiti'. This marks the first time the ball has attended a World Cup match.
Caroline Mathers, Director of the Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum, expressed pride in the loan, stating: "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."
Significance of the Football
The ball, roughly the size of a small melon, is made from thick leather panels stitched together and turned inside out for a smoother surface, with a pig's bladder forming the inner core. Recognised by Guinness World Records as the oldest football, it is celebrated as one of the 'History of Scotland in 25 Objects' and remains the prize exhibit of the Smith's collection of over 40,000 artworks and objects.
Neil Benny, chairman of the Board of Trustees at the Smith, highlighted the museum's role: "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. 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."
Ceremonial Send-Off and Partnerships
The football was seen off at a special ceremony at the museum at 11am before being transported by plane across the Atlantic. Faroque Hussain, Honorary Consul of Brazil KPM in Glasgow, praised the collaboration: "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."
The exhibition and match appearance aim to strengthen cultural ties and celebrate the historic links between Scotland, Brazil, and the United States.
