The Beautiful Game

Temporary

07/06/2026 - 10 a.m. - 08/19/2026 - 05:30 p.m.

West Rotunda Gallery

Discover The Beautiful Game from the pitch to the White House

In honor of the FIFA World Cup, a soccer ball gifted to President Gerald R. Ford by Brazilian soccer legend Pelé is on display from July 6 through August 19, 2026. In 1975, the pair famously kicked it around the White House Rose Garden.

Pele juggles a soccer ball in the Rose Garden at the White House, seen with President Gerald R. Ford — President Gerald R. Ford watches on as Edson Arantes "Pelé " Nacimento juggles a soccer ball on foot and head, seen with Amb. Joao Augusto de Araujo Castro, Ambassador from Brazil to the U.S., and others in the Rose Garden at the White House on June 28, 1975.
*View in the National Archives Catalog*

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known by his nickname Pelé, is regarded as one of the greatest soccer players in history. He won three FIFA World Cup titles for Brazil in 1958, 1962, and 1970. He shattered records with more than 1,000 goals during his career and was named FIFA Player of the Century.

In 1975, Pelé joined the New York Cosmos. When in town for a game against the Washington Diplomats, President Gerald R. Ford welcomed him to the White House. The ball bears the signatures of the 1975 Washington Diplomats players whom Pelé competed against. Pelé’s White House visit increased interest in the sport throughout the United States.

Soccer ball gifted by Pelé to President Gerald R. Ford.
*Courtesy of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum*