London — A monumental piece of football history is headed to the auction block. The iconic number 10 jersey worn by the legendary Pelé during the 1958 World Cup final will be made available for bidding online from June 29 to July 16, Sotheby’s announced.
“This is the very jersey worn by one of the greatest players in football history on the night his global reign truly began,” said Brahm Wachter, Head of Modern Collectibles at Sotheby’s, in an official statement.
A Record-Breaking Debut
The 1958 final marked the birth of a global icon. At just 17 years old, Pelé led Brazil to a spectacular 5-2 victory against host nation Sweden at the Råsunda Stadium in Stockholm.
Netting two goals during the match, Pelé cemented his name in history. To this day, he remains the youngest player ever to score in a FIFA World Cup final.
Key Match Facts:
Score: Brazil 5 – 2 Sweden
Venue: Råsunda Stadium, Stockholm
Pelé’s Age: 17 years, 249 days
From a Teammate’s Keepsake to a Multi-Million Dollar Auction
Following the historic whistle, the hand-stitched jersey was gifted by Pelé to his teammate and roommate, Dida. The prized possession remained with Dida’s family for decades before being housed in a Brazilian museum. The current owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, acquired the piece in 2004.
Sotheby’s estimates the jersey could fetch up to $6 million USD. If it meets expectations, it will become the most expensive piece of memorabilia ever sold from the career of football’s only three-time World Cup winner. Pelé passed away in December 2022 at the age of 82 following a battle with colon cancer.
Legacy Continues into 2026
Pelé’s first goal in that 1958 final is widely regarded as one of the greatest individual efforts in tournament history, featuring a sublime chest-trap and a flick over a Swedish defender before volleying it home.
The football maestro would go on to lift his third World Cup trophy in 1970 at Mexico’s Estadio Azteca. In a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy, that very stadium is scheduled to host the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where co-hosts Mexico will face South Africa.
