NEW YORK, NY.- A stunning collection of 300 items of celebrity sporting memorabilia from some of the world’s greatest football stars of the past 100 years will be sold on May 18th at the Hard Rock Café, 1501 Broadway – Times Square, New York by Julien’s Auctions.

For anyone who has ever enjoyed sport, followed it passionately, or simply admired the grace, courage and dedication that it takes to excel athletically at the top level, this sale offers a selection of sporting holy grails. Prices range from an estimated $1,000 to $60,000.

Besides celebrity football memorabilia the sale also includes sports trophies from boxing, the Olympics, tennis and a cricket bat wielded to good effect by Tendulkar, signed, estimate $10,000 to $20,000.

The first part of the Julien catalogue features property from three major football collections.

*The Collection of Juan Carlos Marenda who played for the Argentina national football team from 1969-1977 and for the football club team, Argentinos Juniors, from 1969-1975. He was Adidas Argentina's Vice President of Public Relations from 1975-1988, heading up Adidas public relations for the Argentina national football team from 1975-1988 including the 1978 FIFA World Cup played in Argentina. From 2002-2005 he was the marketing director of the football club, Boca Juniors.

*The collection of Jordi Cruyff, Dutch former football player, the son of Dutch former player and manager Johan Cruyff, currently the manager of Maccabi Tel Aviv Football Club in Israel. As a footballer, he played from 1992 through to 2010, for clubs including Barcelona, Manchester United, Alavés, Espayol, Metalurh Donetsk, and Valletta. He played for the Netherlands national team in 1995 and for the Catalonia national team from 1995-2004.

*The collection of Julio Olarticoechea who played for the Argentina national football team, including on three FIFA World Cup teams: 1982 in Spain; 1986 in Mexico when Argentina won the World Cup; and 1990 in Italy when Argentina was the runner-up. In 2016, he coached Argentina's women national team and was head coach of the men's national team during the Rio Olympics. From 1975-1993 Olarticoechea played for Argentine football clubs Argentinos Juniors, Deportivo Mandiyu, River Plate, Boca Juniors, and Racing Club, and for the French club FC Nantes.

Darren Julien, President and CEO of the company that bears his name, says: “This area of celebrity sports memorabilia is one of the fastest growing areas of alternative investment collectables, their value just keeps on growing. This collection of carefully chosen items of sporting memorabilia represents the dreams and ambitions realized of the sportsmen who captured the hearts of millions. To own one of these items will doubtless be another kind of dream come true for the lucky buyers. For true fans the value of each lot is beyond price and will become a family heirloom.”

Among the most valuable lots are six FIFA World Cup Winner’s medals and a trophy. Some of these include:

A 1978 FIFA World Cup winner's medal estimated at $40,000-60,000, awarded to José Daniel Valencia, member of the World Cup champion Argentina national football team. Valencia also played on Argentina's 1982 World Cup team before retiring from international football at the end of the tournament with 41 appearances and five goals for the national team. The medal features a relief of the FIFA World Cup trophy on one side and the text "XI Copa Mundial de la FIFA Argentina 1978" on the other. The medal is housed in its original box.

A 1986 FIFA World Cup winner's medal estimated to sell for $60,000-80,000. It was awarded to José Luis Brown, a member of the World Cup champion Argentina national football team. Brown played in all of Argentina's World Cup matches, scoring his only international goal in the final against West Germany. Argentina won the match 3-2. The medal features a relief of the FIFA World Cup trophy on one side and the text "Copa Mundial de la FIFA Mexico 1986" on the other. It hangs from a blue and white ribbon.

A 1930 FIFA World Cup winner's medal from the inaugural FIFA World Cup, estimated to sell for $30,000-40,000. This medal was awarded to Héctor Castro, a member of the 1930 World Cup champion Uruguay national football team. Castro's goal in the final match helped Uruguay defeat Argentina 4-2 to win the inaugural FIFA World Cup. The medal is housed in its original case.

Pedro Arispe’s 1930 FIFA World Cup Player trophy, estimated to sell for $20,000-30,000.

Diego Maradona Argentina national football team match worn jersey and medal – in the 1977 South American Championship (Under 20) $3,000-4,000

Pele inscribed "COPA 70" football boots from his peronal collection. $10,000-20,000

Ronaaldo 1998 World Cup final match worn and signed boots. $6,000-8,000

Sergio Batista signed Argentina national team 1986 FIFA World Cup match worn jersey. $4,000-6,000

Lionel Messi 2012 Argentina national team match worn jersey and boots. An Adidas brand Argentina national football team jersey match worn by Lionel Messi in the August 15, 2012, friendly match between Argentina and Germany played in Frankfurt, Germany. Argentina won the match 3-1 with Messi scoring one of the three goals. The jersey was given to Juan Carlos Marenda by José Luis Brown, the former Argentina team coach. Size L.

Osvaldo Ardiles Tottenham Hotspur 1982 FA Cup semi-final match worn jersey. $3,000-4,000. A Le Coq Sportif brand long-sleeve Tottenham Hotspur football club jersey match worn by Osvaldo "Ossie" Ardiles in the 1982 FA Cup semi-final match between Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City on April 3, 1982, at Villa Park stadium in Birmingham, England. Tottenham Hotspur won the match 2-0 and the final match against Queen's Park Rangers to win the FA Cup. Sportswriter Ricardo Alfieri gave the jersey to Juan Carlos Marenda. Size S.