(Newswire.net — June 5, 2016) — World’s famous soccer player Pele is auctioning off medals and awards from his glittering career, including his replica of the glorious Jules Rimet trophy, CNN reports.
Brazilian soccer legend Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known as Pele, has already donated some of his memorabilia, however, he has now decided to put it all up for auction in order to raise funds to donate tochild healthcare in Brazil.
Although the recognition’s and trophies are a part of his life, Pele has decided to give it all away, from his World Cup winner’s medals to the football boots he wore during the movie Escape to Victory, which also starred Sylvester Stallone and English football hero Sir Bobby Moore.
“It was a difficult decision to make but it takes a lot to properly care for these artifacts,” said Pele.
The 75 year old soccer legend, who holds the Guinness World Record for 1,283 total career goals scored, said he felt he could do much more good by sharing these items with the world, while raising funds to help causes that are important to him. Pele revealed that child healthcare in Brazil is one of his priorities.
“I will also be donating a portion of the proceeds from the auction to Pequeno Principe (Little Prince), the largest pediatric hospital in Brazil.”
The most valuable item up for auction is Pele’s replica of the Jules Rimet trophy, which was presented to him after winning a third World Cup with Brazil in 1970.
According to Julien’s Auction House in London, each of Pele’s medals is estimated to sell for $200,000 while the Jules Rimet trophy is valued at $600,000.
Beside the Jules Rimet trophy and the medals, the world famous soccer player will include other items in the auction such as 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 the 1981 World War Two film Escape to Victory ($8,000), CNN reports.
The entire collection consists of more than 2000 items and is estimated to be worth $5.1 million.
“Having donated a significant portion of my collection to the City of Santos, I have decided to allow fans and collectors to own a piece of my history as well,” added 75 year old Pele.
“I hope they treasure these artefacts and share my story with their children and generations to come.
The three day auction is set to start on June 7th. The auction will be live online, allowing fans with deeper pockets to obtain a piece of soccer history. For true fans, it is priceless.
“I hope they treasure these artefacts and share my story with their children and generations to come.
The three day auction is set to start in June 7. The auction will be live online, allowing fans with deeper pockets to obtain a piece of soccer history. For true fans, it is priceless.