A Brazil shirt signed by the late football legend Pele is anticipated to be sold for over £15,000 at auction, accompanied by his old passport.
The jersey, worn by the iconic striker during the 1965-66 international season, bears his signature. Pele, who passed away in December, gifted the shirt to former Santos teammate Afonso Celso Garcia Reis, also known as Afonsinho. The yellow shirt, which still retains a large stain on the front, features a green collar and sleeves.
The starting bid for the shirt is set at £1,966 ($2,500), but it is expected to fetch £15,700 ($20,000) at Julian’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California. Alongside the shirt, football enthusiasts have the opportunity to purchase Pele’s Brazilian passport for £6,293 ($8,000).
Described as an Athleta brand Brazil jersey, the item holds historical significance as Pele was a three-time World Cup champion, scoring 77 goals in 92 appearances from 1957 to 1971. The auction listing includes a Letter of Authenticity from MEARS and a Letter of Provenance from Afonso Celso Garcia Reis’s sister.
The auction also features an extensive collection of jerseys worn by Pele, including a white long-sleeve jersey from the 1969 Brasilero Serie A season, expected to sell for the same price. Several of these well-worn jerseys have been autographed by Pele himself.
In addition, Pele’s passport, issued by the Brazilian Consul General in New York in 1987 and valid until 1993, is being sold. The passport, with loose cover, displays Pele’s signature as “Edson Arantes,” his passport photo, and entry stamps and visas from various countries. A handwritten note on page six indicates that it is a replacement for a lost passport.
