A life-sized statue of Spanish golf legend Seve Ballesteros has gone missing from his hometown of Pedreña, sparking an investigation by Spanish authorities.
The Marina de Cudeyo town council confirmed the disappearance in a statement posted on Instagram, describing it as an “unfortunate event” and indicating that the statue was likely stolen over the weekend, according to BBC Sport on Tuesday.
Officials have appealed to members of the public for information, urging anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity to contact the Civil Guard or local police.
“If anyone has observed suspicious movements, especially in the last 24 hours, please let the Civil Guard or the local police know,” the council said.
Ballesteros, a five-time major champion and one of Europe’s most celebrated golfers, died in 2011 at the age of 54 after battling brain cancer. He played a pivotal role in Europe’s success in the Ryder Cup, helping the team to five victories and inspiring generations of golfers.
The bronze statue, created in 2009 by sculptor Salvador García Ceballos, was permanently installed in La Barquería Park in 2017. It depicts Ballesteros celebrating his iconic victory at The Open Championship at St Andrews in 1984, where he came from behind in the final round to beat American Tom Watson by two shots and win the Claret Jug.
Pedreña is located near Santander in Spain’s northern Cantabria region, and the statue has long served as a symbol of local pride and a tribute to one of the country’s greatest sporting figures.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing as efforts continue to determine how the statue was removed and to recover it.
