You have two ways to choose your medal:
As soon as the idea of the medals sporting Pelé’s goals was consolidated and numbered from 1 to 1281 (one for each goal scored) and made of bronze, silver and gold, a new question arose: which one would I like to own? I saw fantastic and unforgettable goals scored, but during most of them I was not at the stadium.
I like soccer, I saw Pelé play many times on TV and only twice did I go to the games. One of them was at Pacaembu (Santos 1 x Corinthians 1) and the other one at Maracanã (Brasil 1 x Paraguay 0 for the finals of the 1970’s World Cup) and in both of them the man scored.
I support Corinthians, am twice married with 2 children. Back in 1971, when I was engaged, I bought tickets for a Corínthians x Santos match, a request from Vivian (who later became my wife) who did not care much for soccer but thought Pelé was great. She shared this general feeling that he would ensure a victory, whatever the circumstance was. After the 1970’s World Cup, this was the general feeling. We went to the match and had our numbered seats, among a vast majority of Corinthian’s supporters. Pelé, after a fault had been made, scored the first goal. Vivian jumps up and vibrates with pure joy among many unhappy supporters of the opposing team. In the second half, as far as I remember, and close to the end of the match, Rivelino draws the score, also because of a fault. While the euphoric supporters celebrated, I noticed Vivian crying helplessly and very still - the match ends and she remains sad for a long time. This is my most vivid memory of this match. She is gone, but my children know this story.
At Maracanã, Brasil x Paraguay was very special. A record attendance (over 200.000 people), and the national anthem made the structure of the stadium tremble. A difficult match, the ball wouldn’t “get in” until Pelé kicked and scored. Amazing celebration.
In a first stance, I thought to myself: I’ll buy the goal against Corinthians in gold, silver and bronze and share it with my children (from my first marriage). Later on I’ll get the medals of the match against Paraguay and give one to each one of my children from my second marriage still leaving one for Ety (my wife), who was never able to see Pelé play. I made my calculations and realized it would be expensive. I pondered and thought differently. I will book and buy the three medals from the match against Corinthians (gold, silver and bronze) and make a draw out of the hat, including Mari, Alê and myself to see which metal each one will get. Later on, I will book and buy one of the medals of the Brazil x Paraguay match, and will give it to either Elza or Luiz. By doing so, each one of my children will have a medal related to one of Pelé’s goals that I was able to witness and I will have a medal of my own at home.
I add a detail here: in the diploma accompanying each medal, I will get Rivelino’s signature (he was present in two of the matches) besides that of Pelé’s and Barbosa’s (the Brazilian Mint’s President). I explain: I come from a traditional family of collectors. I know that time and generations pass by and that objects are more and more valued when they relate to picturesque stories and details. This is why I have made these additions here.
Besides, when I look at the diploma on the wall, or the medal in its display, I shall remember the children’s health and the generosity, apart from the energy and happiness of a goal. And I shall be very happy to have stories to tell.
José Álvaro da Silva Carneiro: