The "heroes" who were members of Sunderland's 1973 FA Cup-winning side have received the freedom of the city.
Members of the squad, which as 250-to-one outsiders beat favourites Leeds United at Wembley, were honoured.
Sunderland City Council leader Graeme Miller said: "The esteem in which these gentlemen are held is unparalleled in this devoted, football-loving city."
The side's 1973 captain Bobby Kerr described it as a "real honour".
Those awarded the freedom were Richard Philip 'Dick' Malone, Ronald George 'Ron' Guthrie, Michael Frederick 'Micky' Horswill, David Vernon 'Dave' Watson, Richard Ernest 'Ritchie' Pitt, Robert 'Bobby' Kerr, Victor Lewis 'Vic' Halom, Dennis Tueart and David Young.