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 offered Pelé Brazil match worn and signed jersey dates to early in 1970, his second-to-last season with the National Team, and just before he led the Seleção to its third World Cup title in a span of four tournaments. The exact international match in which Pelé donned this No. 10 Brazil shirt is unknown. It comes from the personal collection of Joel Carmargo, a teammate of Pele's on the 1970 Brazil squad.

The yellow crew-neck shirt, with a ribbed collar and sleeve-ends in green, includes the “CBD” (Confederação Brasileira de Desportos) embroidered patch over the left chest. Sewn on the reverse is Pele's iconic number 10 in green. The maker of this shirt is Umbro, which makes it a collectable rarity for Brazil football shirts from that era. The Brazil National Team was only kitted by the England-based apparel brand in select matches leading up to the 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. Pelé has signed and inscribed the front of the shirt, “Do Amigo, Pelé" in faded black pen. The shirt shows evident wear with light sweating and soiling throughout.

Authentication & Provenance

Letters of Authenticity from MEARS for the jersey and PSA/DNA for the autograph. Letter of provenance from Brazilian center back Joel Camargo, who played alongside Pelé with Brazil and Santos FC. The two remained friends long after their playing careers. Camargo passed away in 2014.