Pelé

Pelé
Name	Pelé
Caption	Pelé in 1975
Fullname	Edson Arantes do Nascimento
Birth date	23 October 1940
Birth place	Três Corações, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Death date	29 December 2022
Death place	São Paulo, Brazil
Height	1.73 m
Position	Forward, attacking midfielder
Years1	1956–1974
Club1	Santos
Caps1	659
Goals1	643
Years2	1975–1977
Club2	New York Cosmos
Caps2	64
Goals2	37
Nationalyears1	1957–1971
Nationalteam1	Brazil
Nationalcaps1	92
Nationalgoals1	77
Medaltemplates	Brazil Men's association football W, 1958, Sweden W, 1962, Chile W, 1970, Mexico

Pelé. Edson Arantes do Nascimento, universally known as Pelé, is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. His career, spanning over two decades, was defined by extraordinary goal-scoring, creative brilliance, and an unprecedented three FIFA World Cup victories with the Brazil national football team. Revered as a global sporting icon, his legacy transcends the sport, symbolizing athletic excellence and the beautiful game's artistry.

Early life and career

Born in Três Corações, Minas Gerais, he was named after American inventor Thomas Edison. His father, Dondinho, was a professional footballer whose career was hampered by injury, and the family later moved to Bauru in São Paulo state. Pelé grew up in poverty, often playing football with a makeshift sock-stuffed ball. His prodigious talent was spotted early by former Brazilian international Waldemar de Brito, who famously told the directors of Santos FC that the teenager would become "the greatest football player in the world." He joined the Campeonato Paulista club's youth setup and made his senior debut at age fifteen.

Club career

His entire club career in Brazil was spent with Santos FC, where he debuted in 1956. He led the club to a golden era, winning numerous domestic titles including ten Campeonato Paulista championships and six Brazilian Taça Brasil titles. On the global stage, he propelled Santos FC to back-to-back Intercontinental Cup victories in 1962 and 1963, defeating European champions S.L. Benfica and AC Milan, respectively. After retiring from Brazilian football in 1974, he made a landmark move to the North American Soccer League's New York Cosmos in 1975, a signing credited with dramatically raising football's profile in the United States. He won the NASL Soccer Bowl with the New York Cosmos in 1977 before retiring.

International career

His Brazil national football team debut came in 1957 at age sixteen. He announced himself to the world at the 1958 FIFA World Cup in Sweden, scoring a hat-trick in the semi-final against France and two goals in the final victory over the host nation. An injury limited his role in the 1962 FIFA World Cup triumph in Chile, but he returned to lead a legendary squad at the 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. His performances, including a goal in the final against Italy, cemented that team's status as one of the greatest ever. He retired from international football in 1971 with 77 goals in 92 official matches, a then-record for the Seleção.

Style of play and legacy

Renowned for his explosive acceleration, impeccable dribbling, powerful shooting with both feet, and exceptional aerial ability, he was a complete forward. He combined clinical finishing with visionary playmaking, embodying the concept of "Joga Bonito." His global fame made him a cultural ambassador, and he was later appointed a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. In 1999, he was named FIFA's "Player of the Century," sharing the honor with Diego Maradona, and was included in FIFA's list of the greatest living players. The Maracanã Stadium's media tribune is named in his honor, and his number 10 jersey for Santos FC was permanently retired.

Personal life and post-football career

Outside football, he had a prolific acting and singing career, appearing in films like Escape to Victory alongside Sylvester Stallone and Michael Caine. He served as Brazil's Extraordinary Minister of Sport from 1995 to 1998, championing the Pelé Law aimed at reforming player contracts in Brazilian football. He was married three times and had several children, including former professional footballer Edinho. He remained a global ambassador for the sport and various humanitarian causes until his death from colorectal cancer in 2022, which prompted worldwide tributes from figures including FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Neymar.

Honors and awards

His unparalleled trophy collection includes three FIFA World Cup winner's medals (1958, 1962, 1970). With Santos FC, he won the Intercontinental Cup twice and the Copa Libertadores in 1962 and 1963. Individual accolades include being the all-time top scorer for the Brazil national football team for over five decades, the South American Footballer of the Year award in 1973, and the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Overseas Personality award. In 2014, he received an honorary FIFA Ballon d'Or.

Category:Brazilian footballers Category:Sportspeople from Minas Gerais Category:FIFA World Cup-winning players