Born into extreme poverty in Brazil’s southern state of Minas Gerais, Edson Arantes do Nascimento was able to turn his life around (and that of his family) through his sensational ability on the pitch. The football legend known only as Pelé signed his first professional contract in 1956 at the age of 15 with prestigious Brazilian club, Santos FC. The following year, he made his first appearance with the Brazil National Team at age 16. During his prolific international career, Pelé won three FIFA World Cup titles (1958, 1962 and 1970) – the only player ever to do so for his country. He retired as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 77 goals in 91 caps, and his unfathomable 1,283 career goals in all competitions will never be topped. His death on Dec. 29, 2022, at the age of 82 was a day of mourning across the globe.
Featured here is a fantastic circa 1965 Brazil National Team jersey worn by the legendary footballer during international competition. The yellow cotton shirt has the iconic CBD (Confederação Brasileira de Desportos or Brazil Sports Confederation) crest embroidered on the left chest, with Pelé's famous No. 10 on the back in blue. Tagged by manufacturer Athleta of São Paulo within the inner collar, no size is listed but it measures to the player's standards according to authenticator, MEARS. The V-neck collar and ribbed sleeve-ends in green give this shirt a classic 60s style reminiscent of Pelé's peak run with the national team. The shirt exhibits heavy wear with pilling to the fabric, fraying to the crest and back numbers, and evidence of sweat staining. The football icon has signed the front with "Com carinho [Fondly]" inscibed in somewhat faded black marker.
Provenance: Gifted by Pelé to fellow Brazilian football star Paulo Cesar Lima, better known as Caju, who played with Pelé' on Brazil's triumphant 1970 World Cup squad. The attacking midfielder was a prominent member of the Brazil National Team for over a decade (1967-77), scoring 10 goals in 57 caps. Caju has signed a letter in Portuguese for the jersey dating it to 1965.
Authentication: LOA from MEARS verifying the shirt's specs as being consistent with Brazil jerseys from the period and sized to fit Pelé. Additional COA (AM62910) from PSA/DNA for the autograph.