Pelé's 1958 World Cup Final Jersey Could Fetch Over $6 Million at Auction

Pelé's Jersey Headlines Sotheby's Auction

According to Главком: An iconic piece of football history-the jersey worn by Pelé during the 1958 World Cup final-is now up for bidding at Sotheby's in New York. The estimated value of this exclusive lot exceeds $6 million. The auction closes on July 16, with the item on public display starting July 1 in Manhattan.

The number 10 shirt belonged to the Brazilian legend, who wore it during the decisive match against Sweden. In that 1958 game, a 17-year-old Pelé scored two goals, securing Brazil's first-ever World Cup title with a 5–2 victory. He remains the youngest player ever to appear in a World Cup final, having netted six goals across four matches during the tournament.

The Jersey's Journey and Market Value

Kept within Pelé's family for decades, the jersey was donated in 1993 to Brazil's Edvaldo Alves Santa Rosa Sports Museum. In 2004, the museum sold it at a London auction for £59,000. Comparable sales include:

• Diego Maradona's shirt from the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal, sold for $9.3 million;
• A set of six jerseys worn by Lionel Messi during the 2022 World Cup, which fetched $7.8 million.

Pelé's jersey holds immense historical significance, symbolizing a monumental achievement in football. Its auction underscores the growing importance of sports heritage and the cultural weight carried by such artifacts.

Sotheby's sale reflects a rising trend in sports memorabilia, where items are valued not only as historical pieces but also as high-worth collectibles. The Pelé jersey sale could set a benchmark for other sports lots, appealing equally to passionate fans and savvy investors.