The oldest football in existence has made the journey from Scotland to Florida to coincide with a significant World Cup encounter between Scotland and Brazil. Dating back to the mid-16th century, the ball was uncovered in the 1970s within the rafters of Stirling Castle’s Queen’s Chamber.
Currently on loan from the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, the artifact is being showcased at the Coral Gables Museum until Saturday. Curator Aiofe McKenna noted that the item, which is roughly the size of a small melon and constructed from leather panels wrapped around a pig’s bladder, likely dates to the era when Mary, Queen of Scots resided at the castle.
McKenna expressed enthusiasm about the ball reaching a wider international audience through this exhibition, titled ‘Diplomacy and the Beautiful Game’. While football was a popular, albeit rowdy, pastime in 15th-century Scotland—often facing bans from monarchs due to the disorder it caused—this specific ball provides a unique link to the nation’s sporting heritage. Supporters traveling to Miami for the final group stage match will have the opportunity to view this rare piece of history as Scotland faces off against Brazil.
