A FIFA 2026 soccer ball, painstakingly encrusted with more than 20,000 Austrian crystals, is currently on display at the New York City restaurant Serendipity3 for a price of $10,000. The restaurant's Times Square location, which opened in 2024, is exhibiting the unique item behind glass, complete with a QR code for interested buyers.
Despite its striking appearance, the crystal-covered ball has not yet attracted a buyer, according to Joe Calderone, Serendipity3's creative director. "No one has claimed the ball yet, but we’re pushing it out there, hoping we do get a buyer," Calderone told the New York Post.
The idea to commission the eye-catching soccer ball originated with Calderone as a way to celebrate the World Cup and the influx of visitors to the city. He enlisted Florida artist Susan Flanagan, known for transforming everyday objects into elaborate artworks, to create the piece. Flanagan dedicated nearly 200 hours to applying each of the crystals, which vary in size from three to 32 millimeters.
Customers at the restaurant have expressed admiration for the ball. Ryan Copelin of Philadelphia described it as "absolutely stunning" and commented that he would purchase it if he could afford it. Jennifer Garland of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, called the detail "amazing," adding, "I can’t even imagine how someone is talented and patient enough to put that together."
Due to its significant value and delicate nature, patrons are not permitted to handle the soccer ball, though many inquire about the possibility. "The first thing people are asking is, ‘Can I hold the ball? Can I take a picture with it?’ And because of its price and the fact that it is a delicate item, we don’t allow it," Calderone explained. However, the restaurant has seen numerous visitors come in specifically to view and photograph the artwork.
Serendipity3, a restaurant frequented by celebrities and known for its extravagant ice cream sundaes, is also offering a special World Cup-themed dessert. The "FIFA Fireworks Sundae" features vanilla ice cream with raspberry-blood orange sorbet and blue raspberry syrup, designed to mimic the colors of a flag, accompanied by popping carbonated sugar.
