The jersey worn by football great Edson Arantes do Nascimento popularly known as Pele has sold for a staggering $4.88 million.
The sale was confirmed by Sotheby’s-one of the world’s premier collectibles organizations- making it the most prized Pele collectible sold.
Brazilian forward Pele, wore the jersey at the 1958 FIFA World Cup Final that had score twice in Brazil’s 5-2 win over Sweden. He was 17 years old and became the youngest ever player to score in a World Cup Final.
The title was the first of three FIFA World Cup trophies Pele won in his career, making him the player with the most titles.
The sale comes in the lead up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina on Sunday, July 19 and Sotheby’s Head of Sports Strategy and Development, Brendan Hawkes, relayed this in his statement.
“This shirt is not only a lasting reminder of one of the most important moments in football history, but is principally connected to the very moment that catapulted Pelé into a global sporting icon.”
“Ahead of the World Cup final this weekend, it feels especially fitting to see such strong enthusiasm for the shirt worn as Pelé scored both goals that day more than six decades ago” he said.
