This 68-Year-Old Football Jersey Just Sold for $4.9 Million, And It Belonged to Pelé

A No. 10 jersey worn by Brazilian football legend Pelé during the 1958 FIFA World Cup final has been sold for a staggering $4.9 million at a Sotheby's auction, making it the second-most expensive football shirt ever sold .

The iconic jersey carries immense historical significance as Pelé wore it during Brazil's memorable 5-2 victory over Sweden in the World Cup final at Rasunda Stadium . At just 17 years old , Pelé scored twice in the match, becoming the youngest player ever to score in a FIFA World Cup final , a record that still stands nearly seven decades later.

The auction house said only Diego Maradona's famous "Hand of God" jersey , which fetched $9.3 million in 2022 , has sold for a higher price in football memorabilia.

The shirt also has a remarkable journey beyond the football pitch. After Brazil lifted its first World Cup trophy, Edson Arantes do Nascimento , popularly known as Pelé, gifted the handmade jersey to his Brazil teammate and roommate Dida . The treasured keepsake remained with Dida's family for decades before later being displayed in a Brazilian museum. It was eventually acquired by a collector in 2004.

Pelé, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history, passed away in 2022 , but his legacy continues to inspire generations. The sale highlights the enduring global admiration for the three-time World Cup winner and the immense value attached to memorabilia from defining moments in football history.

According to Sotheby's, the previous highest-priced piece of Pelé memorabilia was a 1958 trading card , which sold for $976,000 just last month. The latest auction, however, has set a new benchmark for collectibles linked to the Brazilian icon, reflecting his unmatched influence on the sport and the lasting appeal of football's greatest legends.