Sport|GolfMissing statue of golf legend Ballesteros found chopped in pieces in SpainA man has been arrested by police in Spain after they recovered a stolen statue of the late golfer Seve Ballesteros.
A statue of the late golfer Seve Ballesteros, valued at approximately 30,000 euros ($35,820), was recently discovered dismantled in Santander, Spain. The statue, which holds significant sentimental value for the local community, was found in a storage…
A statue of the late golfer Seve Ballesteros, valued at approximately 30,000 euros ($35,820), was recently discovered dismantled in Santander, Spain. The statue, which holds significant sentimental value for the local community, was found in a storage room after being cut in half at the waist.
The statue's torso and head remained intact, while the arms were broken into several pieces. A 22-year-old individual, previously convicted for copper theft, was apprehended on Thu, Jan 29, 2026. Authorities suggest that additional individuals may have been involved in the incident.
Law enforcement focused their investigation on metal trading centers, suspecting the perpetrators intended to sell the bronze material for profit. The 100 kg (220.46-pound) statue, which depicts Ballesteros in a celebratory pose from his 1984 British Open victory, was originally placed in La Barqueria Park. It was removed from its base, transported across the park, and subsequently dismembered.
A statue of the late golfer Seve Ballesteros, valued at approximately 30,000 euros ($35,820), was recently discovered dismantled in Santander, Spain.
The statue was crafted in 2009 by sculptor Salvador Garcia Ceballos and was installed permanently in Pedrena in 2017. Seve Ballesteros, a renowned golfer who secured five major titles, passed away in 2011 at the age of 54.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.