Pele’s iconic World Cup final jersey heads to auction as fans get chance to own a piece of football history

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An iconic piece of football history, the jersey worn by the late Pelé during the 1958 World Cup final, is set to go under the hammer.

Sotheby’s announced on Tuesday that the legendary number 10 shirt will be offered in an online auction running from June 29 to July 16, drawing significant interest from collectors and fans alike.

Brahm Wachter, head of Sotheby’s modern collectables, emphasized the jersey’s immense significance, stating: “This is the garment worn by one of the greatest footballers in history on the night his reign began.”

This particular jersey marks Pelé’s debut in a World Cup final. Then just 17 years old, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known globally as Pelé, famously scored twice in Brazil’s 5-2 victory over host nation Sweden at the Rasunda Stadium in Stockholm.

Pele won the first of his three World Cups in Sweden in 1958 (PA Wire)

He remains the youngest player ever to score in a World Cup final, a record that underscores his early brilliance.

Pelé, who passed away at age 82 in December 2022 after a battle with colon cancer, gifted the handmade shirt after the final to his roommate and teammate, Dida.

It remained with Dida’s family for decades before being housed in a Brazilian museum and eventually acquired by its current anonymous owner in 2004.

The Brazilian legend’s first goal in that final, a masterful display of chest control, a flick over a Swedish defender, and a precise finish, is still celebrated by fans and players alike as one of the World Cup’s finest. He added a second with a powerful header near the end of the match.

Pelé's legendary number 10 shirt will be offered in an online auction running from June 29 to July 16 — Pelé’s legendary number 10 shirt will be offered in an online auction running from June 29 to July 16 (Sotheby’s via AP)

Pelé would go on to secure his third World Cup title in 1970 in Mexico, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Mexico is one of the three host nations for the upcoming tournament, alongside the United States and Canada.

Notably, the very Azteca Stadium that saw him crowned champion back then will host the opening game of this year’s World Cup, featuring Mexico against South Africa.

The auction period also includes a public exhibition of the jersey, commencing on July 1 at Sotheby’s Breuer building in New York, offering a rare chance to view this historic artifact.

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