Pelé
Brazilian forward, three-time World Cup winner, global football icon.
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, universally known as Pelé, was a Brazilian forward born on 23 October 1940 who died on 29 December 2022. He is considered one of football's all-time greats and a defining sports figure of the 20th century. His career tally of 1,279 goals across 1,363 matches, counting exhibition games, holds a Guinness World Record. The International Olympic Committee named him Athlete of the Century in 1999, and *Time* magazine listed him among the 100 most important people of that century. The following year, the IFFHS voted him World Player of the Century, and he shared the FIFA Player of the Century award with Diego Maradona.
Pelé joined Santos FC at 15 and debuted for Brazil's national team at 16. He is the only footballer to win three World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970) and remains the youngest World Cup winner, aged 17. After the 1958 tournament, he earned the nickname O Rei (the King). He scored 77 goals in 92 appearances for Brazil, holding the national team's scoring record for over fifty years. At club level, he is Santos' all-time top scorer with 643 goals in 659 games. During Santos' golden era, he led the club to Copa Libertadores titles in 1962 and 1963, and Intercontinental Cup victories in those same years.
Pelé popularized the phrase "The Beautiful Game" in connection with football. His extraordinary skill and flair for spectacular goals made him a global icon, and his teams toured internationally to capitalize on his fame. At his peak, he was the world's highest-paid athlete. After retiring in 1977, he served as a worldwide football ambassador and pursued acting and business ventures. In 2010, he became honorary president of the New York Cosmos.
Throughout his career, Pelé averaged nearly a goal per game and could shoot effectively with either foot. Though primarily a striker, he also acted as a playmaker, using his vision and passing to create assists. In Brazil, he was celebrated as a national hero for his football achievements and his vocal support for policies aiding the poor. His emergence as a Black global star at the 1958 World Cup inspired many. Both during and after his playing days, he received numerous individual and team honors for his on-field performance, record-breaking feats, and lasting legacy.
Pelé was born Edson Arantes do Nascimento on 23 October 1940 in Três Corações, Minas Gerais, to Dondinho, a Fluminense f
- born
- 23 October 1940
- died
- 29 December 2022
- field
- Professional football (forward)
- nationality
- Brazilian
- known_for
- Only player to win three FIFA World Cup titles (1958, 1962, 1970); Guinness World Record for 1,279 goals in 1,363 games
Lore & Background
Pelé was born in Três Corações, Minas Gerais, Brazil, the son of footballer Dondinho and Celeste Arantes. He grew up in poverty in Bauru, playing with a grapefruit or a sock stuffed with newspaper. He credited futsal for helping him think better on the spot. At age 15, he began playing for Santos, and at 16 for the Brazil national team. He won three FIFA World Cup titles (1958, 1962, 1970), becoming the only player to do so and the youngest winner at 17. He was nicknamed O Rei (the King) after the 1958 World Cup. With 77 goals in 92 games for Brazil, he held the national team's top-scorer record for over fifty years. At Santos, he scored 643 goals in 659 games, leading the club to Copa Libertadores victories in 1962 and 1963 and Intercontinental Cup wins in those same years. In 1961, the Brazilian government declared him an 'official national treasure' to prevent his transfer abroad.
Reader's Guide
Pelé's significance extends beyond his record-breaking statistics. He is credited with connecting the phrase 'The Beautiful Game' with football, and his skill and spectacular goals made him a global star. He averaged almost a goal per game throughout his career, could strike with either foot, and served as both a striker and a playmaker. In Brazil, he was hailed as a national hero for his football accomplishments and his outspoken support of policies to benefit the poor. His emergence at the 1958 World Cup as a Black global sporting star was a source of inspiration. After retiring in 1977, he became a worldwide ambassador for football and undertook acting and commercial ventures. In 2010, he was named honorary president of the New York Cosmos. His legacy includes numerous individual and team awards, and he remains a symbol of excellence in sport.
Did You Know?
- Pelé was named after the American inventor Thomas Edison, but an error on his birth certificate led many documents to show his name as 'Edison'.
- He earned money as a child by working in tea shops as a server.
- His most memorable goal, scored against Clube Atlético Juventus on 2 August 1959, has no video footage; Pelé asked for a computer animation to be made of it.
- Pelé's goal against Fluminense in March 1961 earned a two-minute standing ovation and a plaque at the Maracanã stadium.
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