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The iconic Brazil No. 10 jersey worn by football legend Pelé during the 1958 FIFA World Cup final has been sold for a record $4.9 million at a Sotheby’s auction in New York, making it the most valuable piece of memorabilia associated with the three-time World Cup winner. Pelé wore the shirt when, at just 17 years old, he scored twice in Brazil’s 5-2 victory over Sweden, helping his country win its first-ever World Cup title.
The sale exceeded expectations and underscores the growing global demand for historic football memorabilia. Although it is now the most expensive item linked to Pelé, it remains behind Diego Maradona’s famous “Hand of God” 1986 World Cup jersey, which still holds the overall record for the most expensive football shirt ever sold after fetching $9.3 million in 2022.
Sotheby’s described the shirt as one of the most significant artefacts in football history, symbolising the emergence of one of the sport’s greatest players on the world stage. The auction attracted collectors from around the globe, reflecting the enduring legacy of Pelé, whose performances at the 1958 World Cup transformed both Brazilian football and the global game.
