Pele's 1958 World Cup Shirt Sells for $4.9 Million in New York

A blue Brazil jersey worn by 17‑year‑old Pelé in the 1958 World Cup final against Sweden was sold at Sotheby’s in New York for $4.9 million, making it the second‑most expensive football shirt ever auctioned after Diego Maradona’s 1986 “Hand of God” shirt. The shirt, which helped Brazil secure a 5‑2 victory and Pelé’s first world title, was originally given to teammate Dida after the final. It remained in Dida’s family for decades before appearing at a 2004 auction for about $105,000. The recent sale attracted ten bids and underscored the growing market for historic sports memorabilia.

Brazilian journalists and collectors have also identified a second, identical blue jersey that may have been produced for the final. Tests are planned to verify its provenance, raising the possibility that two shirts bearing Pelé’s number 10 may exist, which could further intensify interest in the iconic artefact.