Author: Soorya G
A valuable item for collectors and fans of Brazilian soccer legend Pelé will soon be up for auction. The item in question is a 1971 Brazilian national team shirt with the signature of the late maestro of the Seleção, who passed away at the age of 82 on December 29, 2022. The auction, organized by Play For a Cause, is scheduled to take place from August 2 to 17, with a starting bid of R$38,500.
The iconic yellow shirt of the Brazilian national team, produced by Athleta, the team’s official supplier at the time, has historical significance, as it was associated with the launch of Café Pelé, a partnership between Pelé and Cacique Alimentos. The shirt played a notable role in a marketing campaign during the launch of Café Pelé, a successful brand that has continued to thrive. The piece will be given to the winner of the auction, which should attract interest from all over the world.
Accompanying the shirt is a handwritten letter from Pelé himself, expressing his feelings about the commercial partnership. The letter provides valuable insight into the thoughts of the revered soccer legend.
In one section of the letter, Pelé makes a significant analogy between the product and his exceptional performance on the soccer pitch, stating: “For I am confident that the coffee of soccer stars will enjoy the same triumph that I experienced in the world of soccer. In business, as in sport, I never went in to lose.
Pelé is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, and one of the most decorated athletes ever to play the sport. With more than 1,000 goals scored during his career, Pelé won three World Cups and also scored 12 goals in the coveted competitions. The National Team shirt has been carefully preserved in its original box, which increases its historical and sentimental value. This extraordinary artifact is sure to captivate the hearts of fans and collectors alike, serving as an enduring symbol of soccer history.