Brazilian football legend Pele’s iconic jersey from the 1958 FIFA World Cup final has been sold for $4.9 million at a Sotheby’s auction, setting a new record for memorabilia associated with the three-time World Cup winner.
The famous No. 10 shirt, worn by a 17-year-old Pele during Brazil’s historic victory over Sweden, is now the most expensive item linked to the football icon ever sold.
Pele’s Historic World Cup Jersey Fetches $4.9 Million
According to media, citing Sotheby’s, the jersey attracted strong interest from collectors around the world.
The auction received 10 bids from more than five bidders before the final hammer price reached $4.9 million.
The shirt was worn by Pele during the 1958 FIFA World Cup final in Stockholm, where Brazil defeated hosts Sweden 5-2 to win their first-ever World Cup title.
Shirt Worn During One Of Football’s Greatest Performances
The 1958 final remains one of the most memorable matches in football history.
At just 17 years old, Pele scored two goals in the final and became the youngest player ever to score in a FIFA World Cup final. His brilliant performance announced the arrival of one of the greatest footballers the sport has ever seen.
Moreover, Brazil’s triumph marked the beginning of its dominance on the world stage.
Second-Most Expensive Football Shirt Ever Sold
Although the jersey set a new record for Pele memorabilia, it ranks as the second-most expensive football shirt ever sold at auction.
The record is still held by Diego Maradona’s Argentina jersey from the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarter-final against England, which sold for $9.3 million in 2022.
Maradona wore that famous shirt during the match in which he scored both the controversial “Hand of God” goal and the spectacular “Goal of the Century.”
Jersey’s Value Has Soared Over The Years
This is not the first time Pele’s 1958 final shirt has appeared at auction.
According to Sotheby’s, the same jersey was previously sold in 2004 for £70,505. Over the past two decades, its value has increased dramatically, reflecting Pele’s lasting legacy and the growing demand for historic sports memorabilia.
Pele’s Incredible World Cup Legacy
Pele remains the only player in football history to win three FIFA World Cups.
He lifted the trophy with Brazil in:
- 1958 – Brazil defeated Sweden 5-2 in the final.
- 1962 – Brazil beat Czechoslovakia 3-1 to retain the title.
- 1970 – Brazil defeated Italy 4-1 in one of the greatest World Cup finals ever played.
Pele scored six goals during the 1958 tournament, one goal in 1962 and four goals in the 1970 World Cup, including the opening goal in the final against Italy.
His achievements helped establish Brazil as a global football powerhouse.
Pele’s Legacy Lives On
Pele passed away in December 2022 at the age of 82 after battling cancer.
Even years after his passing, his influence on football remains unmatched. The record-breaking sale of his 1958 World Cup final jersey highlights the enduring admiration for one of the sport’s greatest legends.
The auction serves as another reminder of Pele’s remarkable career and the historic moments that continue to inspire football fans across generations.