News summary produced by Claude AI
A shirt worn by Pele during the 1958 World Cup final has been sold at Sotheby’s in New York for $4.9 million, equivalent to £3.6 million. The sale represents the second-highest price ever paid for a football jersey, trailing only the Diego Maradona Argentina shirt from the 1986 World Cup that sold for £7.1 million in 2022.
The jersey attracted significant interest at auction, garnering 10 bids from more than five different bidders. This latest sale price substantially exceeds the previous transaction of the same shirt, which sold in 2004 for $105,600. According to Sotheby’s officials, the garment now holds the distinction of being Pele’s most valuable memorabilia item ever offered at auction.
Pele wore the shirt during the 1958 World Cup final against Sweden, where he scored two goals at the age of 17. His performance in that match contributed to Brazil’s victory and marked a significant moment in his career that would eventually lead to his recognition as one of football’s greatest athletes. Pele ultimately won three World Cup titles during his playing career and maintains the record for being the youngest player to score in a World Cup final.
The sale occurred as part of Sotheby’s ‘The Beautiful Game’ auction held on Thursday, which featured numerous items of football memorabilia. Other notable pieces included Maradona’s captain’s armband from the 1986 World Cup for $512,000, a Lionel Messi Barcelona shirt worn during a 2017 Champions League comeback victory for $217,600, and a David Beckham England cap shirt from the 2002 World Cup for $51,200.