Pelé’s 1966 World Cup jacket draws new fans after Bad Bunny wears it at concerts in Brazil

Global pop sensation Bad Bunny has sparked renewed interest in Brazilian football legend Pelé after wearing the icon’s 1966 World Cup jacket during his recent concerts in São Paulo. The Puerto Rican artist’s tribute has created a cultural bridge between contemporary music fans and the legacy of one of football’s greatest players.

The jacket, borrowed from collector Cássio Brandão’s sports memorabilia store Alambrado Futebol e Cultura, became an instant talking point among concertgoers at what marked Bad Bunny’s first-ever performances on Brazilian soil. Brandão, who possesses over 7,000 football items, including 115 pieces that belonged to Pelé, worked directly with Bad Bunny’s team to arrange the loan of the historic garment.

“He took very good care of the piece,” Brandão explained. “It came back only with sweat, but it was perfect, in the same condition. They were very careful. It returned in the same suitcase.”

The tribute extended beyond the visual statement. During his performances, Bad Bunny modified the lyrics of his song “MONACO,” changing “scoring a goal after Messi and Maradona” to “scoring a goal after Pelé and Maradona,” further honoring the Brazilian legend who died in December 2022 at age 82.

Pelé’s official Instagram account acknowledged the gesture with gratitude, noting that when someone of Bad Bunny’s global stature honors “the King on Brazilian soil, it means the crown is still shining.” The post highlights the ongoing reverence for Pelé, whose three World Cup victories and extraordinary skill cemented his place in sports history.

For Brandão, the cultural significance of this crossover moment extends far beyond his store’s connection to the event. “It warms my heart to imagine that many kids across Brazil and around the world are going on YouTube trying to learn more about Pelé, watching his goals and better understanding the magnitude and greatness of this figure,” he said. Brandão considers Pelé “the greatest football player in history and, to me, the greatest Brazilian who has ever lived.”

The collaboration represents a meaningful intersection of sports heritage and contemporary culture. Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has established himself as one of the world’s most influential musicians, with billions of streams across platforms and multiple Grammy Awards. His acknowledgment of Pelé introduces the football icon’s legacy to a new generation of fans who might otherwise be unfamiliar with his historic contributions to the sport.

This cultural exchange occurs at a time when sports memorabilia has become increasingly valuable in the collectors’ market. Historic items connected to legendary figures like Pelé regularly fetch extraordinary sums at auction, with jerseys, boots, and personal effects becoming coveted artifacts that preserve sporting history.

Brandão’s collection at Alambrado Futebol e Cultura represents one of the most significant private assemblies of football memorabilia in Brazil, with items that chronicle the rich history of the sport in a country where football is deeply woven into the national identity.

The gesture from Bad Bunny also highlights how sports icons transcend their playing careers to become cultural touchstones. Pelé, whose name is recognized globally, remains Brazil’s most internationally celebrated figure decades after his retirement from professional play.

As Bad Bunny’s South American tour continues, this moment of cultural appreciation serves as a reminder of how influential figures from different domains can amplify each other’s legacies, creating unexpected connections that resonate across generations and borders.