A jersey worn by Brazilian football legend Pelé during Brazil’s first-ever FIFA World Cup triumph has sold for $4.9 million at an auction in the United States.
Pelé, widely known as “The King,” was just 17 years old when he scored twice in Brazil’s memorable 5-2 victory over hosts Sweden in the 1958 World Cup final, announcing himself as one of football’s greatest talents.
The iconic blue jersey became the second most expensive football shirt ever sold at auction after an anonymous bidder outbid four others during the Sotheby’s sale in New York on Thursday.
The record for the most expensive football jersey remains the $9.3 million paid for the shirt worn by Argentine legend Diego Maradona during the famous 1986 World Cup quarter-final against England in Mexico.
Maradona inspired Argentina to a 2-1 victory with two unforgettable goals, including the controversial “Hand of God” strike, when he illegally punched the ball into the net, and the stunning solo effort later dubbed the “Goal of the Century.”
