Ex-Pelé Collection: The FIFA Centennial Order of Merit medal presented to Pelé in 2004, gilt, circular, the clasp with maker's stamp for Huguenin Le

Ex-Pelé Collection: The FIFA Centennial Order of Merit medal presented to Pelé in 2004, gilt, circular, the clasp with maker's stamp for Huguenin Le Locle, Switzerland, obverse featuring the FIFA globes emblem and inscribed "FIFA Centennial/ Fédération Internationale de Football Association/ 100 Years/ 1904 - 2004/ Order of Merit", blue and yellow ribbon suspension fitted with clasp and brooch fitting, diameter 44mm.,  very good condition - Pelé interview: "In 2004, a new accolade brought me joy and surprise. I was in Santos, and a director from FIFA called me. He said that I was once again chosen to receive a FIFA medal. It was the 2004 FIFA Centennial Award. FIFA had previously honored me as the Player of the Century, but this was the 2004 award, my last FIFA honor, acknowledging everything that I had done for this sport. It’s a huge responsibility." The medal was due to be presented to Pelé at a ceremony during the 54th FIFA Ordinary Congress in Paris that had been timed to coincided with FIFA’s Centenary 20-21 May 2004, but Pelé was recovering from an eye operation and could not attend. The presentation finally took place on 23rd September 2004 at the FIFA headquarters with Pelé being honoured for his outstanding lifetime contributions to the sport and in FIFA's consideration of his status as the greatest player in football history. In addition to this ribboned medal, FIFA also presented Pele with a medallion which is offered as the next lot. Awarded at the same event, the only other recipient of the FIFA Centennial Order of Merit medal was Franz Beckenbauer for his unique achievement of both captaining and managing a World Cup winning team - West Germany in 1974 and 1990. The FIFA Centennial in 2004 was also celebrated with a football match between reigning World Cup and European champions Brazil and France at the Stade de France. Provenance: The Pelé Collection. Julien’s Auctions, London, 7th to 9th June 2016, as lot 602.