Pelé's No 10 Shirt Sells for £3.6 m, Becomes 2nd Most Expensive

Pelé's legendary No 10 jersey from the 1958 World Cup final sold for £3.6 million at a Sotheby’s auction on 18 Jul 2026, instantly ranking as the second‑most expensive football shirt in history.

What happened?

The blue shirt, worn by the 17‑year‑old Brazilian prodigy when he netted two goals against Sweden, attracted ten competitive bids. The final hammer price of £3.6 million eclipsed its 2004 sale of £70,505, highlighting the soaring market for historic football memorabilia.

Why it matters for Pelé’s legacy

The sale underscores Pelé’s enduring impact on the sport. As the youngest player ever to score in a World Cup final, his 1958 performance still draws global fascination. Brendan Hawkes, Sotheby’s head of sports strategy in New York, noted that the shirt is “a lasting reminder of one of the most important moments in football history.” Its value reflects how collectors view Pelé’s early triumph as a cornerstone of modern football culture.

How the auction compared to other icons

Only Diego Maradona’s Argentina shirt from the 1986 ‘Hand of God’ match has fetched more, reaching £7.1 million in 2022. Other items in the “The Beautiful Game” auction included Maradona’s captain’s armband (£380,000) and Lionel Messi’s 2017 Champions League shirt (£161,482). Even David Beckham’s 2002 World Cup cap shirt sold for just £37,996, illustrating the premium placed on Pelé’s early career artifact.

What comes next for the jersey?

The buyer, who remained anonymous, plans to display the shirt at a private museum dedicated to football history. Experts predict that future auctions of similar era pieces could push prices even higher, especially as the sport’s centennial celebrations draw nearer. For now, Pelé’s jersey stands as a tangible link to a moment that launched a legend and continues to inspire fans worldwide.