The former midfielder, who captained New Zealand during their last appearance at a FIFA World Cup in Spain in 1982, was presented with the honour by FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter and OFC President Reynald Temarii at the opening ceremony of the FIFA Congress in Johannesburg on Thursday.
He received the award – football’s highest honour – alongside Dutch superstar Johan Cruyff and former South African president Thabo Mbeki.
The audience included Brazilian football legends Pele and Zico, South African president Jacob Zuma and representatives from FIFA member nations, including an OFC delegation, who are in South Africa to attend the OFC and FIFA congresses.
Sumner, who was nominated by OFC and New Zealand Football, won a record 105 caps for the All Whites and became the first player from the Oceania confederation to score a goal at a FIFA World Cup when he found the net during New Zealand’s 5-2 loss against Scotland in Spain.
He says it is very humbling to join the prestigious Order of Merit list, which includes many global football stars and statesmen like Nelson Mandela.
Upon receiving the award, the 55-year-old embraced President Blatter and told the audience of his delight that New Zealand football was enjoying such a renaissance after last appearing in the World Cup 28 years ago.
He also spoke about how honoured he was to be presented with the gong at the same time as Cruyff.
“He is in my best four players of all time,” Sumner said.
“There were guys like Pele, Cruyff and Beckenbauer and, latterly, there was Diego Maradona. To be in amongst guys like that tonight is amazing.”
The presence of so many fellow representatives from Oceania made the occasion even more memorable.
“We had dinner in Johannesburg with the Oceania people and the Pacific Island delegates and that was special too. It’s nice to know you are representing more than just New Zealand and that the support has come from throughout the region.”