Gordon Banks tribute day: Stars shine bright in Gordon Banks v Pele part II
But on Saturday, the World Cup winner and the South African archbishop joined more than 7,500 fans at the Britannia Stadium to pay homage to the former England and Stoke City legend Gordon Banks.
The centre-piece of the event was the unveiling of a statue depicting the legendary keeper holding the Jules Rimet Trophy in the aftermath of England's World Cup success in 1966.
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Four years after the nation's finest footballing hour, Banks produced his individual iconic moment at the 1970 World Cup.
England were playing tournament favourites Brazil in Guadalajara, Mexico.
In the 11th-minute, Banks further etched his name into World Cup folklore when he made 'that save' to deny Pele's header at the foot of his post. Brazil went on to beat the defending champions 1-0 on their way to winning the tournament.
Nearly 40 years have passed since that encounter, but on Saturday their rivalry was reignited as Banks's England XI took on Pele's Brazilian XI.
Both teams were packed with talent. Unfortunately, though, most of it lay in the fields of acting, singing to teeny-boppers and politics.
The adrenaline-pumped celebrities, including actor Jimmy Nesbitt and X-Factor winner Shayne Ward, lined up alongside ex-professionals such as former Stoke defender Mike Pejic and ex-Southampton star Matt Le Tissier.
Pele, sporting a casual brown leather jacket, was assisted in the dug-out by Archbishop Tutu, who was decked out in his South African green.
Both men have achieved greatness in their lifetimes. Pele inspired Brazil to two World Cup final successes – and also played in the early stages of a third. The archbishop, meanwhile, won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his work as an opponent of apartheid.
Now they were confronted with arguably their biggest ever challenge: Trying to gel the likes of Coronation Street's 'Kevin Webster' (Michael Le Vell) and 'Anthony' (Ralf Little) from The Royle Family into something resembling a football team.
Banks, wearing a more conservative light grey suit, looked closer to home for his right-hand man in the form of Stoke boss Tony Pulis, who paraded his promotion-winning squad prior to kick-off.
Security 'heavies' surrounded the trio of legends to protect them from the frenzied fans in the John Smiths Stand, who surged forward to get a glimpse of their heroes.
Even the celebrities seemed to be in awe of their management teams and kick-off was delayed by 25 minutes as they swarmed around Pele, Banks and Tutu to get their shirts signed.
When the match did start, the loyal Britannia crowd nailed their flag of allegiance firmly in the Banks camp.
But it was the yellow and blue of Brazil who put England to the sword early on and stormed into a 3-0 lead inside 10 minutes.
The likes of Jairzinho, Rivelino and Rivaldo have tormented the Three Lions in the past. But on this day, Hollyoaks' Ricky Whittle, Le Vell and Jade Goody's ex-boyfriend Jeff Brazier hit the net.
Ex-City defender Pejic and public relations guru Alastair Campbell were guilty of conceding a penalty apiece for two of the goals.
England's best hope came in the now portly shape of former England ace Le Tissier, who had enough magic left in his boots to carve Pele's side open at times.
And after Le Vell cried off with a damaged calf, England pulled a goal back when Le Tissier's 40-yard ball found professional footballer Junior Agogo, who slid the ball home.
Archbishop Tutu refused to panic. So much so, in fact, that he literally danced his way back to the dressing room at half-time.
Brazil completed a 5-1 victory in the second period with Whittle grabbing his second to complete the rout.
The crowd erupted into chants of “Steino” late on when former striker Mark Stein made his entrance for Banks's England and the 'Golden One' showed his old explosive flair by creating a few good openings.
The archbishop was suddenly sensing a dramatic England comeback and prowled his technical area in Pulis-esque style.
But Pele's team came out comfortable winners, with the Stoke faithful giving their distinguished guests the traditional send-off with their first and only rendition of Delilah.
Strong themes of community and unity ran through the event, highlighted in the run-up to the statue unveiling ceremony. Banks, Pele and Archbishop Tutu sat in the directors' box to watch community groups lead a 'flags of the world' demonstration.
They were joined by youngsters from schools, including the Meadows and Ash Green Primary, who led a colourful celebratory jig along with the Ziggy Youth Dance group, who hail from the Potteries.
And the uplifting atmosphere was enhanced by singing troupe Black Voices, who belted out classics such as Lean on Me and Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.
There was also plenty going on outside the stadium to attract families, who enjoyed a funfair and a penalty shoot-out competition.
At the end of the day, Pele and Archbishop Tutu made their fond farewells as they passed the Gordon Banks statue, which will forever stay at the Brit as a permanent tribute to one of the club's favourite sons.
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