**Brazilian Football Legend Pele’s World Cup Shirt Sells for $4.9 Million**
In a remarkable auction event held in New York City, the iconic jersey worn by Brazilian football legend Pele during the 1958 FIFA World Cup final has been sold for a staggering $4.9 million. The auction was conducted by Sotheby’s, which announced the sale on Thursday, marking the shirt as the most expensive piece of Pele memorabilia ever sold.
The jersey holds significant historical value, as it was worn by a 17-year-old Pele when he scored two goals, contributing to Brazil's 5-2 victory over the host nation, Sweden. This match not only secured Brazil’s first World Cup title but also established Pele as the youngest player to score in a World Cup final, a record that still stands today.
Sotheby’s reported that the auction attracted considerable interest, receiving ten bids from over five bidders, highlighting the shirt's desirability among collectors and football enthusiasts alike. The auction house emphasized the importance of the shirt, stating, “This shirt was there” during one of the most memorable moments in football history.
Pele, whose full name was Edson Arantes do Nascimento, passed away in 2022, leaving behind a legacy that has made him one of the most celebrated figures in sports. His contributions to football have transcended generations, and the images from the 1958 World Cup final are regarded as some of the most iconic in the sport's history.
Prior to this recent sale, the jersey had changed hands in 2004 for a mere £70,505 (approximately $105,600), showcasing the dramatic increase in its value over the years. While the $4.9 million price tag is impressive, it does not place Pele's shirt among the most expensive pieces of sporting memorabilia ever sold. That distinction belongs to a baseball jersey worn by Babe Ruth during the 1932 World Series, which fetched $24.1 million in 2024. Other notable sales include Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals jersey, which sold for $10.1 million, and Diego Maradona’s jersey from the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal against England, which went for $9.2 million.
The sale of Pele's shirt not only reflects the growing market for sports memorabilia but also underscores the enduring impact of football legends on the sport and culture. As collectors and fans continue to seek out items with historical significance, the legacy of players like Pele remains alive through such artifacts.