The jersey worn by Pelé during Brazil’s 5-2 victory over Sweden in the 1958 FIFA World Cup final has sold for $4.88 million (around $4.9 million) at a Sotheby’s auction, making it one of the most expensive auction pieces of football memorabilia.
The historic shirt was worn by the 17-year-old Pelé, who scored twice in the final to help Brazil win its first FIFA World Cup. His goals in the 55th and 90th minutes sealed a memorable victory and announced the arrival of one of football’s greatest players on the world stage.
According to Sotheby’s, the sale surpassed the $3.33 million paid for a 1958 Pelé rookie card in 2022, setting a new benchmark for Pelé-related sports collectibles. The jersey had been displayed at the Pelé Museum in Santos, Brazil, before being consigned to auction with supporting documentation verifying its authenticity.
Sotheby’s described the shirt as a powerful reminder of one of football’s defining moments and the match that elevated Pelé to global superstardom. The auction house said strong interest ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final contributed to the record-breaking sale.
Despite the milestone, Pelé’s jersey is still the second-most expensive football jersey ever sold. The record remains Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” jersey from the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarter-final against England, which fetched $9.28 million in 2022.
The sale highlights the growing demand for rare football memorabilia as collectors continue to pay record sums for items associated with the sport’s greatest icons.
