Pelé's 1958 World Cup jersey sells for $4.9 million at auction
A blue number‑10 shirt worn by Pelé in the 1958 FIFA World Cup final in Stockholm was sold at a Sotheby’s auction in New York on 16 July 2026 for $4.9 million (about R$ 25 million). The buyer remained anonymous. The jersey became the most valuable piece of Pelé memorabilia and the second‑most expensive football shirt ever sold, behind Diego Maradona’s 1986 “Hand of God” shirt, which fetched $9.3 million in 2022.
The shirt, originally given by the 17‑year‑old Pelé to teammate Dida after Brazil’s 5‑2 victory over Sweden, entered the Museum of Sports in Maceió before being de‑incorporated and auctioned. It had previously appeared at a Christie’s sale in 2004, fetching just over $100 000. Its record‑breaking price reflects the growing market for historic sports collectibles.