Brazilian football legend Pele is auctioning off a vast collection of memorabilia accumulated throughout his illustrious career.

The three-time World Cup winner will put more than 2,000 items under the hammer next week in London.

"It was a difficult decision to make but it takes a lot to properly care for these artifacts," Pele said. "And I felt I could do much more good by sharing these items with the world, as well as helping my causes that are important to me."

Pele's medals from those World Cup victories will be included, as will a one-off Jules Rimet trophy made for the former striker after Brazil's success in Mexico in 1970.

Potential investors can also bid on shirts worn during his career and the ball with which Pele scored his 1,000th career goal while playing for Santos against Vasco da Gama in 1969.

California-based auction house Julien Auctions will handle the sale — which runs for three days starting 8 June (AEST) — with a portion of the proceeds to be donated to charity.

"I have decided to allow fans and collectors to own a piece of my history as well," Pele said. "I hope they treasure these artefacts and share my story with their children and generations to come."