Pele's iconic soccer jersey sells for nearly $5 million in American bidding war

Auctioneers at Sotheby's in New York witnessed a fierce bidding war on Thursday, with an anonymous buyer ultimately securing a historic jersey worn by Pele for $4.9 million, a staggering sum that underscores the relic's immense value.

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This iconic blue shirt was donned by the 17-year-old Brazilian soccer sensation during his country's inaugural World Cup triumph in 1958, a memorable 5-2 victory over host nation Sweden in which Pele scored two goals.

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Nicknamed "The King", Pele's impressive skills on the field were on full display during the 1958 World Cup, cementing his status as a soccer legend and making the jersey a highly coveted item among collectors and fans alike.

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The sale of Pele's jersey has earned it the distinction of being the second most expensive jersey ever sold at auction, with the top spot still held by a jersey worn by Argentinian star Maradona, which fetched a record $9.3 million.

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Maradona's record-breaking jersey was worn during a legendary quarter-final match against England in the 1986 Mexico World Cup, a game in which Argentina emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline, thanks in large part to Maradona's two goals.

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One of Maradona's goals in that infamous match was his highly contentious "Hand of God" score, in which he illegally used his hand to punch the ball into the net, a move that has become an enduring and provocative moment in soccer history.