Soccer

'Everybody needs money': Pele cashes in on memorabilia

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Brazilian former footballer Pele holds up his copy of the Jules Rimet Trophy, during a media opportunity in London, Wednesday, June 1, 2016. The three-time World Cup Champion, FIFA Player of the Century and Brazilian Football icon, will offer his vast collection of memorabilia, awards, personal property and iconic items from his entire career, to be auctioned on June 7, 8 and 9 in London. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) (The Associated Press)

Pele, former Brazilian soccer star is interviewed during a media opportunity in London, Wednesday, June 1, 2016. The three-time World Cup Champion, FIFA Player of the Century and Brazilian Football icon, will offer his vast collection of memorabilia, awards, personal property and iconic items from his entire career, to be auctioned on June 7, 8 and 9 in London. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) (The Associated Press)

Pele, former Brazilian soccer star holds up his copy of the Jules Rimet Trophy, during a media opportunity in London, Wednesday, June 1, 2016. The three-time World Cup Champion, FIFA Player of the Century and Brazilian Football icon, will offer his vast collection of memorabilia, awards, personal property and iconic items from his entire career, to be auctioned on June 7, 8 and 9 in London. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) (The Associated Press)

It's rare to see Pele near a soccer field these days. The three-time World Cup winner is more likely to be on the latest leg of his journey as a traveling salesman.

Now the Brazil great is not flogging luxury watches or fast-food chains but cashing in on the fruits of his sporting successes.

On a rain-soaked Wednesday in London, the soccer great was at an art gallery on The Mall leading up to Buckingham Palace to whip up interest in an auction of medals, trinkets and memorabilia amassed during a life in soccer.

Pele says "everybody needs money," highlighting his lack of post-playing career in coaching to earn cash.

Some of the proceeds will go to a Brazilian hospital but Pele wasn't specific on the percentage.