A shirt worn by Pele during the 1958 World Cup final has sold for $4.9m (£3.6m) at a Sotheby’s auction in New York.
It is the second most valuable football jersey sold behind the Argentina shirt Diego Maradona wore when he scored the ‘Hand of God’ goal against England at the 1986 World Cup – which went for £7.1m in 2022.
Having received a total of 10 bids from more than five bidders, Pele’s shirt from the 1958 final is his most valuable item of memorabilia ever sold at auction.
This very shirt sold in 2004 for $105,600 (£70,505).
Pele scored twice against Sweden as a 17-year-old in the 1958 World Cup final to win the first of his three World Cups.
He still holds the record for the youngest player to score in a World Cup final.
“Today’s result is a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of one of the greatest footballers of all time,” said Brendan Hawkes, Sotheby’s head of sports strategy and development.
“This shirt is not only a lasting reminder of one of the most important moments in football history, but is principally connected to the very moment that catapulted Pele into a global sporting icon.”
Other items sold in ‘The Beautiful Game’ auction on Thursday included the captain’s armband worn by Maradona during the 1986 World Cup – including when he scored the ‘Hand of God’ goal against England – which sold for $512,000 (£380,000).
A shirt worn by Lionel Messi during Barcelona’s dramatic 6–1 comeback victory over Paris St-Germain in the last 16 of the Champions League in 2017 sold for $217,600 (£161,482), while David Beckham’s shirt from his 50th England cap at the 2002 World Cup sold for $51,200 dollars (£37,996).
BBC News
Khamrah by Lattafa for Men - 3.4 oz EDP Spray
4% OffGhost Sweetheart Eau de Toilette | Pineapple, Jasmine and Sandalwood | Perfume for Women 50 ml
50% OffMarc Jacobs Dot Eau De Parfum for Women, 100 ml
42% OffTed Baker W Eau de Toilette for Her, Fig Leaf, White Peony and Violet Top Notes, Pink Orchid and Raspberry Middle Notes, 75ml
£11.77 (£15.69 / 100 ml) (as of 19/07/2026 04:00 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Ted Baker Woman Pink Eau de Toilette Spray Floral Green Feminine Fragrance, Opening Notes are Fresh Peach, Bergamot and Tangerine with Warm Musk, Vanilla and Vetiver Base, 100ml
11% OffVera Wang Princess Eau de Toilette - 30 ml
Choco Musk 50ml Eau De Parfum for men and women | Chocolate Musk by Jannat Aromas
17% OffChristina Aguilera Signature Eau de Parfum (50ml) Floral, Fruity & Exotic Scent, Luxury Fragrance for Women
9% OffCalvin Klein - Eau De Toilette CKIN2U - Calvin Klein Women, Ladies Perfume, Women's Perfume, Calvin Klein Perfume, Calvin Klein One - 150 ml
5% OffJimmy Choo Flash Eau de Parfum, 60 ml (Pack of 1)
3% OffFruit of the Loom Men's Heavy T Shirt, White, XL UK
28% OffATNKE LED Lighted Beanie Cap,USB Rechargeable Running Hat Ultra Bright 4 LED Waterproof Light Winter Warm Gifts for Men and Women/Pink
Now retrieving the rating.
17% OffMen's 1/4 Zip Pullover UK Sale Clearance, Fleece Sweatshirt Casual Jumper Long Sleeve T-shirt Top Stand Collar Sweater Plain Pullover Sports Leisure Workwear Quarter Zip Sweater Lightweight Jumpers
Now retrieving the rating.
£5.88 (as of 12/11/2025 00:52 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)