The World Cup fever is at its all-time high just days before the final between Spain and Argentina. According to Sotheby’s, a global marketplace for the auctioning of luxury objects, the shirt that Brazilian hero Pele wore during the 1958 FIFA World Cup final, where he scored twice, sold for USD 4.9 million at auction, making it the most costly piece of memorabilia connected to the football legend. Ten offers from more than five bidders were received for the famous No. 10 shirt, which was worn by a 17-year-old Pele when Brazil upset hosts Sweden 5-2 in Stockholm to win their first FIFA World Cup victory in 1958, according to Sotheby’s.
Pele’s 1958 FIFA World Cup final jersey creates history
Diego Maradona’s Argentina jersey from the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal against England, in which he scored the renowned “Hand of God” goal, sold for USD 9.3 million in 2022 and is still the most expensive football shirt ever auctioned. Meanwhile, Pele’s 1958 FIFA World Cup shirt is not behind Maradona’s jersey. Pele, the youngest player to ever score in a FIFA World Cup final, scored twice in the 1958 final before passing away in 2022 at the age of 82. The garment was originally sold at auction in 2004 for GBP 70,505, according to Sotheby’s.
Pele’s incredible record in FIFA World Cup finals
Pele was the only player to have won the FIFA World Cup three times, which is a record that still stands. He helped his country win the first edition in 1958, the next one in 1962 and one in 1970. He netted two in the World Cup final match of 1958 against Sweden. Brazil won the game by 5-2 in 1958. Brazil had beaten the Czech Republic 1-3 in the next final, as Brazil clinched the World Cup title twice in a row. In addition, the great Brazilian player Pele scored the first goal of Brazil in the 1-4 Italian World Cup final match in 1970. Overall, he scored 4 goals during the World Cup. A year after his cancer diagnosis, Pele passed away at 82 years of age.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Final: Argentina vs Spain
Spain will play Argentina on Sunday, and the winner will be crowned World Champion. This is the first time in the history of football’s biggest competition that the current European champions will meet the reigning South American winners. Argentina will have the chance to add a fourth trophy to their collection in addition to successfully defending their World Cup title. Spain, who were the favorites to win the trophy before the competition began, will be trying to realize the full potential of a team that combines youth and experience.
Also Read: Will Lionel Messi Win Ballon d’Or 2026 After FIFA World Cup Heroics? Stats And Chances Explained
