Michael Jordan, the world's richest and favorite basketball player, is in the news again because of his jersey worn in the opening game of the 1998 NBA Finals, which fetched a record $10.1 million (approx. Dollars) has been auctioned.

It is the most expensive memorabilia sold by any athlete in sports history.

Sotheby's, the auction house that auctioned the jersey, said the jersey's auction generated "a lot of excitement" among fans and memorabilia collectors.

The jersey is reminiscent of a basketball match, also featured in the Netflix documentary 'The Last Dance', in which Jordan won his sixth and final NBA title.

According to the auction house, there were a total of 20 bids for Jordan's jersey.

Brahm Wacher, head of the prestigious apparel department at the auction house, said bidders were excited to own this rare piece of history.

"The jersey auction at a record price confirms once again that Michael Jordan is undoubtedly the most popular player in the world of sports and that his almost 25-year-old legacy is just as popular and important today," said Wachter. .'

The auction of Michael Jordan's jersey also broke the record of soccer star Diego Maradona's $9.28 million jersey, which he wore in the 1986 World Cup.

Jordan is considered the best player in the history of basketball. He spent most of his career with the Chicago Bulls team and became a global icon and recognized the National Basketball Association (NBA) worldwide.

Although the Chicago Bulls lost the opening game of 1998 to the Utah Jazz, the Chicago Bulls won the next three games and the Utah Jazz won the next game by two points.

In Game 6, Jordan scored the decisive points in the last 5.2 seconds for the Chicago Bulls, giving them an 89-87 victory and clinching the NBA Finals title.

Jordan's dramatic return to the game and victory was greatly appreciated by fans around the world.

Michael Jordan has won seven titles and led the Chicago Bulls to three consecutive championships.

Michael Jordan retired from basketball career in 2003.

"I've always emphasized that when the passion and the sense of accomplishment as a basketball player is gone, it's time to quit," Jordan said.