Pelé's 1958 World Cup final jersey sells for $4.9 million

A jersey worn by Brazilian football icon Pelé during the 1958 World Cup final has commanded a staggering $4.9 million at a U.S. auction. The blue shirt originates from the final match where a 17-year-old Pelé scored two goals, helping Brazil secure their first World Cup title with a decisive 5-2 victory over host nation Sweden.

The sale, conducted at Sotheby's in New York, saw the iconic jersey become the second most expensive piece of sports memorabilia of its kind ever auctioned. An anonymous buyer emerged victorious after outbidding four other interested parties. This achievement places Pelé's 1958 final jersey in elite company within the memorabilia market.

However, the record for the most expensive jersey sold at auction is still held by Argentinian legend Diego Maradona. His jersey from the infamous 1986 Mexico World Cup quarter-final clash against England, a match Argentina won 2-1 thanks to two Maradona goals including the controversial "Hand of God" finish, sold for $9.3 million.