A jersey worn by Brazilian football legend Pele during the 1958 FIFA World Cup final has been sold for $4.9 million at an auction in the United States.
The iconic blue Brazil shirt was auctioned by Sotheby’s in New York on Thursday, attracting bids from five collectors before an anonymous buyer secured the historic memorabilia.
Pele, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time and nicknamed “The King,” was just 17 years old when he inspired Brazil to its first-ever World Cup triumph.
He scored two goals in Brazil’s memorable 5-2 victory over host nation Sweden in the 1958 final.
The sale makes Pele’s jersey the second most expensive football jersey ever sold at auction.
The world record remains the $9.3 million paid for the jersey worn by Argentine legend Diego Maradona during the famous 1986 FIFA World Cup quarter-final against England, a match remembered for Maradona’s controversial “Hand of God” goal and his stunning solo effort that helped Argentina secure a 2-1 victory.
The latest sale underscores the enduring global appeal of football’s greatest icons and the growing value of historic sporting memorabilia.
Source: AFP/Vanguard News.
Tags: Pele, Brazil, FIFA World Cup, Sports Memorabilia
