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 championships (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.

Presented here is the first pair of Pelé match worn cleats we have had the pleasure of auctioning. The black boots, with Puma’s patented white stripe logo on each side, date to 1970 (according to a teammate’s letter) when Pelé led Brazil to its third FIFA world title. While no size is labeled on the interior, they measure out to his appropriate size 10. The studs on the bottom still have remnants of grass and dirt from on-field action. The exterior leather material is well-worn from repeated match use, but the cleats have aged wonderfully with the original laces still intact. Blue orthotics, custom fit for Pelé, are included in the insoles.

While most of his Brazilian teammates sported Adidas boots in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, Pelé stayed loyal to the Puma brand for Seleção matches and this style was commonly seen on his feet. The 1970 Brazil National team, considered the greatest international squad ever assembled, went undefeated in qualifiers and at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. With an attacking five that also included Jairzinho, Gérson, Tostão and Rivellino, Pelé scored four goals and had six assists – a record for a single tournament. The exact match or matches in which these cleats were worn is unknown. The football icon has autographed the outer toes of each shoe in silver pen.

Provenance: Gifted by Pelé to fellow Brazilian footballer Paulo Cézar 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 cleats dating the pair to 1970.

Authentication: Letter of Opinion from MEARS describing the use as “heavy” and acknowledging the cleats’ provenance. Autographs both certified PSA/DNA (stickers only).