Brazilian legend Pele to sell off his personal memorabilia

Brazilian legend Pele is auctioning off his entire collection of awards and memorabilia accumulated over six decades in the game.

The Brazilian three-time World Cup winner and Fifa Player of the Century is selling everything from his replica of the Jules Rimet Trophy to his 1977 North American Soccer League championship ring.

More than 2,000 items will go under the hammer, covering the years from when Pelé turned professional at 15 with Santos FC in 1956 to being named as the club’s lifetime global ambassador in 2014.

The auction, handled by Beverly Hills-based Julien’s Auctions, will take place in London over three days and is expected to attract bids from around the world.

"It was a difficult decision to make but it takes a lot to properly care for these artefacts," said Pele, who was born Edson Arantes do Nascimento.

"I felt I could do much more good by sharing these items with the world, as well as helping the causes that are important to me."

The most valuable item up for sale is Pele's replica of the Jules Rimet trophy, which was presented to him after winning a third World Cup with Brazil in 1970.

Julien's Auction House in London has been charged with selling the items over the course of three days and values the trophy at $600,000, while each of Pele's winner's medals are expected to sell for $200,000 each.

Additional highlights include worn shirts from Pele's time with Santos and the New York Cosmos ($10,000 each), a New York Cosmos NASL championship ring ($40,000) and the boots worn in 1981 World War Two film Escape to Victory ($8,000).

Over 2,000 items are to be sold with a conservative estimate on the entire collection set at $5.1 million.