THE BIRTH OF GLOBAL FOOTBALL

Beginnings of Football in England
This hand-painted leather football commemorates the 1888 Football Association Cup Final at The Oval in London, where West Bromwich Albion defeated Preston North End 2-1. Inscribed with the date, score, and dedication to Mr. John Bowen from captain J. Bayliss, the ball reflects the pride and ceremony surrounding early English football. Created in the same year the Football League was founded, it belongs to a transformative moment in sporting history. More than a match ball, it is a symbol of the emergence of organized football as a defining cultural force in Victorian Britain.

Early Rulebook of Football
This rare 20-page booklet contains the official rules of The Football League for the 1893–1894 season. Founded in England in 1888, it became the world’s first professional football league. Its regulations helped standardize the modern game, contributing to the rapid global spread of association football, now known globally as football and as soccer in some regions.

First FIFA Trophy (Replica)
The Jules Rimet Cup was the original FIFA World Cup trophy, introduced in 1930 and named after FIFA president Jules Rimet. Designed by French sculptor Abel Lafleur, it depicted Nike, the Greek goddess of victory. Awarded to the winners of each World Cup, it survived turbulent times, including being hidden in a shoebox under a bed in Rome during the Second World War to protect it from the Nazis. In 1966, before the tournament in England, the trophy was stolen in London but famously recovered by a dog named Pickles. According to FIFA rules, any nation winning the World Cup three times could keep it permanently. After Brazil’s third triumph in 1970, the trophy was awarded to them. In 1983, it was stolen again in Rio de Janeiro and never recovered, widely believed to have been melted down. The current FIFA World Cup Trophy was introduced in 1974 and replaced the Jules Rimet Trophy.

PELÉ – THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME

Pelé’s boot for the “Beautiful Team”
This football boot from Edson Arantes do Nascimento “Pelé’s” personal collection is inscribed “Copa 70 Mexico” on the sole. It is associated with the 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, where Brazil defeated Italy 4–1 in the final. Widely regarded as the crowning achievement of Pelé’s career, the tournament showcased Brazil’s celebrated “Scratch du Oro” or “Beautiful Team.” Broadcast worldwide in color television, the victory cemented Pelé’s status as a global sporting icon.  

Pelé’s Thousandth Crown
Presented by the Brazilian government to honor Pelé’s 1,000th career goal, this ceremonial crown marks a defining moment in global sporting history. On 19 November 1969, at Maracanã Stadium, Pelé reached this milestone during a match between Santos FC and CR Vasco da Gama, scoring from a decisive penalty that sparked 25 minutes of celebration. The crown features red felt lining, metal laurels, and a football finial topped with the letter “M” for milésimo (thousandth), symbolizing both achievement and national reverence.

The Ball of a Legend: Pelé’s 1,000th Goal
On 19 November 1969, at the Maracanã Stadium, Pelé scored the 1,000th goal of his career in a match between Santos FC and CR Vasco da Gama. The historic goal came from a decisive penalty kick, securing victory and prompting 25 minutes of celebration. This ball, marked with faint blue inscriptions including “PELÉ 1000,” stands as a powerful symbol of an extraordinary milestone in football history of the player of the 20th century Pelé.

No.10 of the Century
This iconic yellow and green Brazil national team shirt, number 10, was worn by Pelé in an international match against Yugoslavia in São Paulo in 1972. The shirt features the embroidered CBD (Brazilian Sports Federation) badge and bears a dedication and Pelé’s autograph on the front. Pelé is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. A three-time FIFA World Cup winner with Brazil (1958, 1962, 1970), he became a global sporting icon and was named “Athlete of the Century” by L’Équipe in 1980.

GLOBALIZATION AND MODERN ICONS

Mbappé: The PSG Icon
This limited-edition Nike match ball captures a defining era in the career of Kylian Mbappé, one of the most influential footballers of the new generation. At Paris Saint-Germain, he rose from prodigious talent to club legend, becoming its all-time top scorer with 256 goals. Internationally, he emerged as one of the youngest players to leave a mark at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, helping France secure the title. He later won the Golden Boot at the 2022 FIFA World Cup with eight goals, including a historic hat-trick in the final.

Maradona: the first steps
Worn by Diego Armando Maradona in 1977, these boots belong to the earliest chapter of an extraordinary career. Already displaying remarkable talent, Maradona’s rise was unmistakable. These boots capture the beginnings of a football icon whose skill, passion, and defiance would leave an indelible mark on the history of the game.

Maradona’s “Hand of God”
This jersey was worn by Maradona during the quarter-final of the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City. In the match between Argentina national football team and England national football team, Maradona scored two of football’s most famous goals: the controversial “Hand of God” and the “Goal of the Century.” This shirt embodies both drama and brilliance, symbolizing a defining moment in World Cup history and Maradona’s enduring legacy as one of the game’s most influential and unforgettable players.

The Captain’s Jersey: Beckham and England’s World Cup Fight
This jersey was signed by David Beckham. He was the captain of the England national football team during the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Known for his precise passing, leadership and famous free kicks, Beckham played a crucial role in England’s team. One of the tournament’s defining moments came when he scored a decisive penalty against Argentina national football team in the group stage.

Messi’s Rise: A Jersey from the Beginning of Greatness
This match-worn jersey belonged to Lionel Messi during the 2006 FIFA World Cup. The Adidas blue-and-white striped Argentina shirt features the national badge on the chest and the number 19 with “MESSI” on the back. It was worn by Messi as a substitute in the Round of 16 match between the Argentina national football team and Mexico national football team on 24 June 2006 in Kaiserslautern. Bearing the Germany 2006 World Cup patch on the sleeve, the jersey represents the early stage of Messi’s legendary international career.

INCLUSION

Honey Thaljieh and the First Palestinian Women’s Team
Number 10 shirt worn by Honey Thaljieh, captain of the first Palestinian women’s national football team, represents a pioneering moment in sport and society. As a trailblazer, she helped establish women’s football in Palestine, symbolizing resilience, identity, and empowerment. This jersey stands as a testament to courage, leadership, and the pursuit of equality through sport and inspires future generations worldwide.

MEMORY, LEGACY, EMOTIONS

Evaristo de Macedo: The Coach Who Shaped Qatari Football
This signed tracksuit jacket belonged to Brazilian football coach Evaristo de Macedo, one of the most influential figures in the development of Qatari football. A former striker for Brazil and FC Barcelona, Evaristo coached Qatar’s national team from 1980 to 1986 and again in 1992. Under his leadership, Qatar reached the final of the 1981 FIFA World Youth Championship in Australia and qualified for their first Olympic football tournament at Los Angeles 1984. His work laid important foundations for the professional growth of football in Qatar.

“Expect Amazing”: Qatar 2022 FIFA WC
This football bears the signature of David Beckham and relates to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Although no longer a player, Beckham played an important role as a global ambassador connected to the host nation. Through promotional appearances and international events, he helped promote the tournament and highlight football’s worldwide appeal. Once captain of the England national football team and one of the sport’s most recognizable figures, Beckham’s presence linked past and present generations of football. This signed ball symbolizes his lasting influence on the global image of the game and the celebration of the World Cup in Qatar.

FIFA goes International
This 196-page commemorative report of the 1950 FIFA World Cup was published in Brazil by A Gazeta Ilustrada shortly after the tournament concluded. Titled Edição Commemorativa do Campeonato Mundial de Futbol 1950, the Portuguese-language publication features color covers, detailed reports of all 22 matches, team line-ups, photographs, and extensive coverage of the final round. It also includes a historical overview of earlier World Cups and a central poster celebrating Uruguay’s victorious team.