Pele’s Historic World Cup Final Jersey Sells For $4.9 Million At US Auction

A jersey worn by Brazilian football legend Pele during the 1958 FIFA World Cup final has sold for $4.9 million at an auction in New York, making it the second most expensive football shirt ever sold.

The iconic blue jersey was auctioned by Sotheby’s on Thursday, July 16, with an anonymous buyer outbidding four others to secure the historic piece of football memorabilia.

Pele, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time and affectionately known as “The King,” was just 17 years old when he inspired Brazil to its first World Cup title.

He scored twice in Brazil’s 5-2 victory over hosts Sweden in the 1958 final, announcing himself on the world stage and beginning a legendary international career.

Despite its record-breaking sale, the jersey remains behind the most expensive football shirt ever auctioned.

That honour still belongs to the Argentina jersey worn by Diego Maradona during the unforgettable 1986 World Cup quarter-final against England, which sold for $9.3 million.

Maradona scored both goals in Argentina’s 2-1 victory, including the controversial “Hand of God” goal, when he illegally punched the ball into the net before later producing the stunning solo effort widely celebrated as the “Goal of the Century.”