This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/14/2024
Born into extreme poverty in Brazil’s southern state of Minas Gerais, Edson Arantes do Nascimento was able to turn his family's life around through his sensational ability on the pitch from a very young age. The football legend known only as Pelé signed his first professional contract in 1956 at the age of 15 with the 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 is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer in international competition with 77 goals in 91 caps and remains the G.O.A.T. among most soccer pundits.
This lot features an incredible Pelé Brazil National Team match worn and signed jersey dating to 1969, near the end of his epic run with the Seleção and one year before winning his third World Cup title. Although the exact international match in which Pelé donned this iconic No. 10 Brazil shirt is unknown, it shows obvious wear with soiling stains on the back and evidence of dried perspiration throughout. The short-sleeved shirt comes in Brazil's less common blue team color, with an open white collar and white ribbed sleeve ends. This is very popular style among collectors. The “CBD” (Confederação Brasileira de Desportos or Brazilian Sport Confederation) embroidered patch is found on the left chest. Sewn on the reverse in large white letters is his famous number "10" showing spot soil stains and heavy fraying. Proper “ATHLETA” [Sao Paulo) manufacturer’s tagging appears on the inner collar. Pelé has added an early era autograph on the back '0' in faded but clearly legible black pen.
The provenance of this shirt makes it particularly special. It was gifted by Pelé to another Brazilian football legend, the great Garrincha, who teamed with Pelé for two of his World Cup titles. With the two superstars on the pitch together, Brazil never lost a match. That's a fact. In 1999, FIFA voted Garrincha #7 on its Player of the Century list. Garrincha eventually passed this shirt down to his daughter, who signed the included letter. Additional LOAs from MEARS authenticating the jersey itself and Beckett for the autograph.