When Brazil legend and World Cup winner Pele held an Oxford United shirt

Many famed players have held or worn the Oxford United shirt but arguably none as great as the late Brazil legend Pele.

Widely regarded as one of the best football players of all time, Pele was the only star to win three FIFA World Cups.

Across a 12-year stint from 1958 to 1970 and only interrupted by England’s famous 1966 triumph, the Brazilian superstar reigned supreme on the international stage.

So how did it come to be that three-time World Cup winner Pele was pictured holding an Oxford United shirt?

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Sky Sports presenter David Jones joined the Oxford United board as a non-executive director in February 2015 and advised the board on “all matters”.

The TV host was attending the launch of 10Ten Talent a few months after on Thursday, April 23, 2015, where Pele was an esteemed guest.

Seizing his opportunity, Joens presented the Brazil great with a replica Oxford United shirt from the Yellows’ famous Milk Cup win at Wembley in 1986.

The pair posed for a photo with the jersey and Jones tweeted at the time: “We know the pope's a mackem but who knew Pele was an Oxford fan!”

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Former England stars Glenn Hoddle and Jack Wilshire were also in attendance at the event while David Jones departed his Oxford United role just three years after in March 2018.

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