Pele’s World Cup jersey fetches $4.9 million at US auction

A jersey worn by Brazilian football icon Pele when he won his first World Cup in 1958 has commanded a staggering $4.9 million at a U.S. auction. The iconic blue shirt, donned by the then 17-year-old prodigy during Brazil's 5-2 triumph over host nation Sweden, has become a prized artifact for collectors.

Pele, affectionately known as "The King," etched his name in history with two goals in that final match. The sale at Sotheby's in New York saw the jersey become the second most expensive piece of sports memorabilia of its kind ever sold. It was acquired by an anonymous buyer who outbid four other interested parties.

The record for the most expensive jersey sold at auction remains with Diego Maradona's shirt from the 1986 World Cup quarter-final against England, which fetched $9.3 million. That match is infamous for Maradona's "Hand of God" goal and another brilliant strike, leading Argentina to a 2-1 victory.