A match-worn shirt from one of football’s most iconic moments has entered the record books after Pele’s jersey from Brazil’s first FIFA World Cup triumph sold for $4.9 million at auction in the United
States on Thursday.
The blue shirt, worn by the then teenage sensation during the 1958 World Cup final in Sweden, became one of the most valuable pieces of football memorabilia ever sold. The anonymous winning bidder defeated four other contenders at Sotheby’s New York, securing the jersey from the match in which Brazil defeated hosts Sweden 5-2 to lift their first world title.
Pele was only 17 years old when he announced himself on the global stage, scoring twice in the final, including a memorable volley that helped cement his reputation as football’s “King”.
He finished the 1958 tournament with six goals in four appearances, while also becoming the youngest player to score in a World Cup final.
The auction price placed Pele’s shirt among the most expensive football jerseys ever sold, although it remains behind Diego Maradona’s Argentina shirt from the 1986 World Cup quarter-final against England, which fetched $9.3 million.
That match became part of football folklore after Maradona scored both goals in Argentina’s 2-1 victory, including the controversial “Hand of God” goal and the celebrated solo effort later known as the “Goal of the Century”.
Pele’s 1958 heroics marked the beginning of a historic World Cup career. The Brazilian forward went on to win three World Cup titles – in 1958, 1962 and 1970 – a record that remains unmatched.
Meanwhile, in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, title holders Argentina will face Spain in New Jersey this Sunday. While Spain got the better of France 2-0 in the first semifinal, Argentina left it late to launch a dramatic comeback from one-goal down and beat England 2-1.
FIFA on Friday announced that the winner of the tournament will also be presented with customised championship rings.
