Pele’s iconic 1958 World Cup medal set for N900m auction sale

One of football’s most treasured artefacts, Pele’s 1958 FIFA World Cup medal, is expected to sell for more than N900 million (£500,000) when it goes under the hammer in England later this month as part of a landmark sporting memorabilia auction.

The medal, won by the Brazilian legend at just 17 years old, is among the standout pieces in a collection of 450 World Cup-related items being offered by sporting memorabilia specialists BUDDS. The entire collection is projected to generate around £2 million.

Historic piece of football heritage

The auction, which culminates in a live sale on June 25 in Wellingborough, central England, has been described as one of the most significant football memorabilia events ever staged.

Pele’s medal marks a defining moment in football history. The teenage sensation scored twice in Brazil’s 5-2 victory over hosts Sweden in the 1958 World Cup final, becoming the youngest player ever to score in a World Cup final.

Rare memorabilia from football’s greatest moments

The British auction will also feature several other prized items from World Cup history, including the shirt worn by England goalkeeper Gordon Banks when he produced his legendary save from Pelé during the 1970 World Cup in Mexico.

Memorabilia from England’s 1966 World Cup-winning campaign will also be available, including Banks’ winner’s medal and the shirt worn by Alan Ball in the final.

“This is the largest collection of World Cup memorabilia ever offered at auction, and it is difficult to imagine many sales that could rival it in terms of historical significance,” said David Convery, head of sporting memorabilia at BUDDS.

Pele shirt could fetch over $6m

In a separate sale, a Brazil shirt worn by Pelé during the 1958 World Cup final is expected to fetch more than $6 million at a Sotheby’s auction in New York, running from June 29 to July 16 — ending just days before the 2026 World Cup final.

An online auction is also underway from June 1 to June 21, featuring shirts from nations competing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ahead of the main live sale later this month.

The sustained demand for Pele memorabilia underscores the enduring legacy of the Brazilian icon, whose achievements continue to captivate football fans, historians and collectors nearly seven decades after his emergence on the world stage.