Pele’s World Cup shirt and ‘King’ crown on show

The Brazil shirt worn by Pele during his first game at the 1958 World Cup finals and a crown given to him when he became known as the King of Football are among items going on display at an exhibition celebrating the footballer.

Pele: Art, Life, Football will show the stages of the sportsman’s life through the eyes and lenses of artists and photographers from around the world.

It will also include some never-before-seen objects such as his 1962 World Cup winner’s medal.

The display at the National Football Museum in Manchester will include original works by contemporary artists such as Pedro Paricio, Stuart McAlpine Miller and Russell Young, who were all commissioned to create pieces.

Meanwhile, the museum has given its statue of the sportsman a hair transplant in honour of the occasion.

Kevin Haygarth, interim director at the museum, said: “Pele is rightly lauded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, and his contribution to the game has been documented by a wealth of talented artists and photographers.

“We wanted to celebrate Pele in a way which befits his vibrant and creative personality, and hosting a range of stunning imagery alongside significant items from his career certainly does this.”