The Greatest Save - Signed by Gordon Banks

Own a piece of sporting history

Gordon Banks incredible save against the prolific Pele in the England v Brazil clash at the Mexico '70 World Cup is simply one of the greatest of all time. Ten minutes into the game Jairzinho, Brazil's powerful right winger, collected the ball near the touchline inside England's half. Showing superb ball control, he turned towards goal and accelerated past his marker, Terry Cooper, on the outside. He reached the byeline at full speed and sent over a perfect cross. The ball came over in a high arc to Pele, who was running in near the far post with his marker, Alan Mullery, in close attendance. Banks was guarding the near post, while his defenders ran back towards the six-yard box. Banks takes up the story. 'As Jairzinho chipped the ball over I started back across the goal. Halfway across, I was sure the ball was too high for anyone to reach, but then I saw Pele. He seemed to climb higher and higher until he got the ball on his forehead, putting everything behind it.'

Pele saw that Banks was apparently stranded at his left post, so he directed his header towards the right. He hit the ball with the centre of his forehead and powered it downwards toward goal The downward header is one of the most awkward for a goalkeeper, and Pele had executed it perfectly. The ball bounced just in front of the line in the corner. It looked like a certain goal. But then suddenly, out of nowhere, Banks appeared. He sprinted, dived the full width of the goal and managed to scoop the ball up as it was about to cross the line. It went upwards almost vertically, and away over the bar.

"I've met Pele several times since that day and he always mentions that save and gives me an affectionate hug and a smile." Gordon Banks