A high-profile auction is set to feature a rare piece of football history: a yellow number 10 shirt worn by Pelé, expected to fetch around £150,000. The item carries a storied on-field moment from a 1971 friendly between Brazil and Austria, when Pelé added one more goal to his illustrious tally, marking what would be his 77th and final goal for the Brazilian national team in the build-up to his farewell international appearance a week later against Yugoslavia, which ended in a 2-2 draw. The shirt’s provenance is part of a broader sale that will include additional Pelé memorabilia such as trophies, medals, and other personal prizes that once graced the athlete’s long and celebrated career. Remarks from collectors and sports historians suggest the bid could reflect Pelé’s enduring impact on global football, as well as the growing market for authentic items tied to one of the sport’s most iconic figures. In tandem with the Pelé collection, the auction house has listed the official match ball from the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, with anticipated bids ranging from £160,000 to £200,000, underscoring the breadth of historical artifacts that continue to attract passionate collectors and institutions around the world. The sale highlights the lasting appeal of game-used gear as tangible links to historic matches and legendary players, reinforcing how sporting moments resonate across generations and beyond fans of Brazil. (Mirror)
Pelé’s passing on December 29, 2022, at the age of 82, marked the end of an era in football. After a long career that shone across national and international stages, the Brazilian icon faced health challenges in late 2022, including edema and heart complications that ultimately led to a transition to palliative care as doctors evaluated response to treatment for bowel cancer. The narrative surrounding his death emphasized not only the sorrow felt by fans but also the exceptional scope of his influence—from dazzling World Cup campaigns to the global popularity of his distinctive number 10 jersey. The forthcoming auction items are presented as a continuation of his legacy, offering collectors a chance to own a piece of the journey that defined a generation of players and inspired countless aspiring athletes around the world. (Mirror)
In addition to the Pelé shirt and the World Cup final ball, the catalog includes a range of other sporting artifacts and memorabilia linked to Pelé’s career, as well as items from related eras of football history that have captured public imagination. The auction thus serves as a curated snapshot of football’s cultural footprint, reflecting how equipment, personal items, and awards can become powerful storytelling devices that illuminate moments of triumph, squad dynamics, and the evolution of the sport over decades. It also showcases how provenance, condition, and authenticity influence valuation, with bidders evaluating not only the rarity but the emotional resonance and historical context attached to each piece. For commentators and collectors in North America and across the Commonwealth, the event offers a rare opportunity to engage with a global legacy through tangible artifacts, while also illustrating how sports memorabilia markets continually expand to include high-profile international icons. (Mirror)
Another note within the broader auction narrative points to the enduring interest in historically significant artifacts, including items connected to other major figures and events, which often surface in regional and international bidding. The market for such memorabilia thrives on the intersection of sport, history, and personal narrative, with collectors seeking authentic pieces that tell a story about a game’s most memorable moments and the personalities who defined them. The Pelé collection, along with the World Cup ball and other consignments, reinforces the idea that sport can yield not just trophies, but also enduring cultural artifacts that travel beyond stadiums and leagues to become symbols of shared memories, legendary performances, and the lasting appeal of football as a global language. (Mirror)