Pele's World Cup Shirt Sells for $4.9 Million

A jersey worn by Brazilian football legend Pelé during the 1970 World Cup final sold for $4.9 million at auction this week. The sale, conducted by Sotheby's, represents a record price for any item of memorabilia associated with the Brazilian footballing great. Pelé wore the iconic number 10 shirt during the match where Brazil defeated Italy 4-1 to secure their third World Cup title. This particular jersey is one of three worn by Pelé during the tournament, and it is the only one known to have been kept by the player himself. The auction also included other items from Pelé's personal collection, such as a gold-plated soccer ball and a crown, which also fetched significant sums. While the $4.9 million price tag is a record for Pelé, it falls short of the most expensive sports memorabilia ever sold, which includes items like Babe Ruth's 1914 baseball card that sold for $7.2 million in 2021. The proceeds from the auction will benefit the Brazilian children's charity Pequeno Principe Foundation. Pelé, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, passed away in December 2022 at the age of 82. His legacy continues to inspire athletes and fans worldwide, with his memorabilia remaining highly sought after.