Born in Brazil’s southern state of Minas Gerais, Edson Arantes do Nascimento – 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 1,283 career goals in all competitions will never be topped.

This hobby-fresh Pelé Brazil National Team match worn, signed and inscribed jersey dates to his 1957 debut season with the Seleção. The white cotton shirt with an open blue collar and ribbed blue sleeve-ends has an early CBD (Confederação Brasileira de Desportos, Brazil Sports Confederation) crest embroidered on the left chest, with his famous number “10” on the back in blue. It is tagged within the inner collar by Malhas Ceppo (Brazilian textile company that produced Brazil kits during 1950s and early ‘60s). Pelé has signed and inscribed the front of the shirt in blue pen. Overall it displays ample wear throughout with light sweat staining and soiling.

Pelé made his Brazil senior team debut in an international friendly against Argentina at the Maracanã in Rio on July 7, 1957. He scored the only goal for Brazil in a 2-1 loss. Three days later, he scored his second goal in another friendly match vs. Argentina in Sao Paulo, this time helping his team win, 2-0.

Authentication & Provenance

Letters of Authenticity from MEARS for the jersey and PSA/DNA for the autograph. Letter of provenance from the sister of Brazilian footballer Afonso Celso Garcia Reis, better known as Afonsinho, who played for several Brazilian clubs in the 1960’s and ‘70’s (Botafogo, Flamengo, Vasco and Fluminense). He was given this shirt by Pelé.