This may be the single finest copy of the most important Pelé rookie card in existence.
Of all the Pelé rookie cards, this issue tends to command the most attention. It's like soccer's version of the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle. Scarce, visually appealing, and highly respected by top-tier collectors, the 1958 Alifabolaget features a headshot of the young star as he embarks on a football career for the ages. The youngest player to win a World Cup and the only one to win it three times, this card marks Pelé’s first title in the 1958 World Cup in Sweden. Since Alifabolaget manufactured the card in Sweden at the time, it carries extra history and prestige. Thus, it separated itself from the pack of other 1958 Pelé cards.
The flip side explains Pelé was the youngest World Cup tournament player at 17, congratulates him for winning the World Cup against Sweden, and states that the star has received many professional offers to play for other teams but plans to remain with the Santos club.
This particular copy represents the very best of the best. Of the more than 210 copies assessed by PSA, this is one of just six to attain a Mint 9 grade. None rank higher. In short, this is one of the absolute best copies of, arguably, the most important soccer card ever produced.
The certification number on this card has been checked against the third-party grader's online database and is active as of 06/12/2026.
