A World Cup shirt worn by football legend Pelé has sold for around 70 times its estimated value at auction, highlighting the continued demand for historic pieces of football memorabilia.
The shirt, believed to have been worn by Pelé at either the 1966 or 1970 World Cup, had initially been valued between £600 and £800. However, it eventually sold for an astonishing £42,000.
Auctioneers said they were taken aback by the final figure, which far exceeded expectations and reflected the enduring global legacy of the Brazilian icon.
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David Convery, head of sporting memorabilia at auction house BUDDS, said the sale underlined Pelé’s lasting influence on the sport.
“Selling a Pele World Cup shirt for 70 times its estimated value was a very special moment. It goes to show just how much of an impact he has had on the game, and that impact endures with fans today. People are prepared to spend big to own a piece of Pele history.”
Footballer Pelé. Photo: A Ricardo, Shutterstock
At the same auction, a rare ticket from the 1930 World Cup final also fetched a notable price, selling for £4,200.
Convery described the ticket as a priceless piece of football history, marking the beginning of the World Cup’s long legacy.
“£4,200 is a lot to pay for a small piece of paper, but this ticket represents the start of football's greatest story. Imagine being there for the first-ever World Cup Final.
“Thankfully, the original owner realised its significance and kept it safe. I wonder what they would make of it selling for thousands of pounds almost a century later.”
The strong auction results come amid renewed interest in football memorabilia, with major tournaments often driving demand among collectors seeking rare items connected to iconic players and historic matches.
