Key Takeaways
- The 1958 World Cup final shirt worn by Pele sold for $4.9 million.
- It is now the most valuable piece of memorabilia linked to the football legend.
- Pele, who was just 17 years old at the time, scored twice in that historic match.
The shirt worn by Brazilian football icon Pele during his legendary performance in the 1958 World Cup final has sold for a staggering $4.9 million at auction, making it the most valuable piece of memorabilia associated with the football legend.
According to Sotheby’s, the number 10 shirt, which Pele wore as Brazil beat Sweden 5-2 in Stockholm to clinch their first world title, attracted ten bids from more than five bidders. This sale has made it the second-most expensive football shirt sold at auction, following the $9.3 million price tag on the shirt worn by Diego Maradona during his famous 'Hand of God' goal against England in 1986.
Pele’s performance in that match was nothing short of historic; he scored twice and remains the youngest player to have scored in a World Cup final, at just 17 years old. The shirt had previously sold for £70,505 ($105,600) in an auction back in 2004.
The auction house noted that this sale underscores the enduring legacy of Pele and his contributions to football. His achievements on the field continue to inspire generations of players and fans alike.
While Pele passed away in 2022 at the age of 82, his impact on the sport remains unparalleled. The shirt’s value reflects not only its historical significance but also the enduring popularity and reverence for the Brazilian football icon.
The sale highlights the growing interest in collecting and valuing memorabilia from iconic moments in sports history. As fans continue to seek out these pieces of history, it is clear that Pele’s legacy extends far beyond his playing days.
