Football fans and collectors alike are eagerly anticipating the auction of Pelé’s 1958 World Cup winner’s medal, expected to fetch a staggering £500,000. The iconic medal, earned by the Brazilian legend as a teenager, is a highlight of a vast collection of 450 World Cup-related items being offered by sporting memorabilia specialists BUDDS.
The auction, which culminates in a live sale on June 25th in Wellingborough, central England, is predicted to generate a total of £2 million. This significant event also features other coveted pieces, including England goalkeeper Gordon Banks’ shirt from his legendary save against Pelé in the 1970 World Cup, and memorabilia from England’s 1966 triumph, such as Banks’ winner’s medal and Alan Ball’s final shirt.
David Convery, head of sporting memorabilia at BUDDS, described the collection as “the largest collection of World Cup memorabilia ever offered at auction,” underscoring its immense historical significance.
Pelé, who tragically passed away in December 2022, was just 17 when he scored two goals in Brazil’s 5-2 victory over host nation Sweden in the 1958 final. This historic win marked Brazil’s first of a record five World Cup titles, three of which were spearheaded by “The King.” AFP
