Offered in this lot is a medal presented to the legendary footballer Pele by the Italian outfit Mantova A.C. in June of 1967. Founded in 1911, Mantova played in consecutive Seria A seasons in 1966-67 and 1967-68 for the only time in club history. The club, which at the time boasted the talents of Italian centurion goalkeeper Dino Zoff, were nicknamed “Piccolo Brasile” (Little Brazil) after their domination of Serie C, the third division of Italian soccer, in 1958-59. At the end of the 1966-67 season on June 17th, 1967, Pele’s Brazil National Football Team visited Mantova for a friendly, defeating the Italian side 2-1, with Pele netting in the friendly match.

This offered 1 ½ -inch diameter medal is gold in color, with “Al prestigioso Pele” etched on the front. Etched in high relief on the front of the medal is a laurel wreath. Etched on the back of this historic medal is “I / Mantua Clubs / Mantova / Giugno 1967”. This medal is in great condition and is a fascinating relic from the unparalleled soccer career of Pele!

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