Uruguay’s legendary winger and World Cup hero Alcides Ghiggia was presented with this FIFA Order of Merit award in 2010 for his "significant contribution to association football". Ghiggia scored the winning goal for Uruguay in the 1950 World Cup Final against Brazil, rifling home a low shot past Brazil’s goalkeeper Moacir Barbosa in a play now known simply as the “Maracanazo”. Ghiggia was a star in both Uruguay, for Peñarol, Danubio, and Sud America, as well as in Italy, where he appeared over 200 times for A.S. Roma. Ghiggia, the oldest surviving player from the 1950 World Cup Final, passed away on the 65th anniversary of the iconic match at the age of 88.

Offered in this lot is Ghiggia’s FIFA Order of Merit medal presented in the original presentation box. The medal is gold in color, and measures 2.25 inches in diameter. Etched in high relief on one side is “FIFA”, the FIFA logo, and two branches. Etched in high relief on the reverse side is “Order of Merit”. This medal comes with an attachable blue and yellow ribbon. Also included in this lot is a 1-inch diameter version of the Order of Merit medal attached to a small, lapel-style ribbon. Finally, a pin etched with the FIFA logo is included. These medals are displayed in the original blue presentation box. This box measures 7.5 x 7.5 inches and is emblazoned with a gold FIFA Order of Merit logo. Also included in this lot is a blue Order of Merit pennant. This pennant, which features a gold tassel at the tapered end, has the FIFA logo printed on both the front and back. These items derive from the estate of Alcides Ghiggia and are in good condition. This item comes with a LOA confirming it is part of the Rony Almeida Soccer Collection.

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