Brazil Legend Pele's Iconic 1958 World Cup Final Shirt Sells for INR 47.21 Crore
Discover how Pelé's iconic No. 10 shirt from the 1958 FIFA World Cup Final, where a 17-year-old Pelé led Brazil to their first title with a 5-2 victory over Sweden, fetched an astonishing $4.9 million at a Sotheby's auction on Thursday, July 16, 2026. This record-breaking sale for Pelé memorabilia solidifies its place as the second-most expensive football.
The iconic No. 10 shirt, donned by a youthful Pelé as he guided Brazil to their first-ever FIFA World Cup title in 1958, sold for a staggering $4.9 million (INR 47.21 Crore) at Sotheby's on Thursday, July 16, 2026. This monumental sale establishes a new benchmark for any piece of memorabilia associated with the late footballing legend and positions it as the second-most valuable football shirt ever to go under the hammer. Lionel Messi Gifts 100-Year-Old Pauline Kana Aka Granny Smith Argentina Jersey (Watch Video).
The jersey, worn by Pelé during Brazil's dominant 5-2 victory over hosts Sweden in the FIFA World Cup Final, attracted a flurry of interest. The auction saw 10 bids from more than five keen collectors, highlighting the enduring legacy and unparalleled impact of the 'King of Football'.
A Shirt Steeped in History
Pelé was just 17 years and 249 days old when he graced the pitch at the Råsunda Stadium in Solna, near Stockholm, on June 29, 1958. His two goals in that final were instrumental in securing Brazil's historic victory and announced his arrival as a global superstar.
The match itself was a spectacle, with Sweden's Nils Liedholm opening the scoring in the 4th minute, only for Brazil's Vavá to equalize five minutes later and then score again in the 32nd minute. Pelé netted his first in the 55th minute with an iconic flick over a defender followed by a volley, and Mário Zagallo added another in the 68th. Though Agne Simonsson pulled one back for Sweden in the 80th, Pelé sealed the 5-2 triumph with a header in stoppage time. Argentina Fans Burn England Flag While Celebrating Team’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Qualification.
Record-Breaking Sale
This sale eclipses previous records for Pelé memorabilia, underscoring the escalating value of items linked to sporting giants. While the price is extraordinary, it comes in behind Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' shirt, worn during the 1986 World Cup quarter-final against England, which fetched $9.3 million in 2022, making Pelé's shirt the second most expensive football jersey ever sold at auction.
The shirt had a pre-auction estimate of over $6 million, yet the final hammer price reflects its immense historical significance. Its previous sale in 2004 saw it go for approximately £70,505 (approx. $105,600), illustrating the dramatic appreciation in value of such rare sporting artifacts over time. FIFA World Cup Brackets: Who Plays Who in Final of 2026 Edition?.
Key Match Details: 1958 FIFA World Cup Final
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | 1958 FIFA World Cup Final |
| Date | June 29, 1958 |
| Venue | Råsunda Stadium, Solna, Sweden |
| Teams | Brazil (5) vs. Sweden (2) |
| Pelé's Age | 17 years and 249 days |
| Pelé's Contribution | Two goals |
This landmark auction reinforces Pelé's enduring global reverence and the significant investment value now attached to artifacts from his illustrious career, further solidifying his untouchable status as a football icon.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 17, 2026 10:18 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
