Pelé – The King of Football
Full Name: Edson Arantes do Nascimento
Date of Birth: October 23, 1940
Place of Birth: Três Corações, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Date of Death: December 29, 2022
Position: Forward/Attacking Midfielder
Nickname: Pelé
Legacy: One of the greatest football players of all time
Early Life
Pelé was born into a humble family in the small town of Três Corações, Brazil. His father, Dondinho, was a footballer, and his mother, Celeste, a homemaker. Named after inventor Thomas Edison, Pelé grew up in poverty, often playing football barefoot with a makeshift ball made from socks or rags. His talent became evident early, and he joined local youth teams, quickly earning attention for his skills.
Club Career
Santos FC (1956–1974)
Pelé joined Santos FC at 15 and made his professional debut in 1956, scoring in his first match. He became the top scorer in the league at 16 and helped Santos dominate Brazilian and international football.
- Achievements:
- Led Santos to six Brazilian championships.
- Won two Copa Libertadores titles (1962, 1963).
- Secured two Intercontinental Cups (1962, 1963), defeating European giants like Benfica and AC Milan.
Pelé’s time at Santos was marked by countless goals (over 1,000) and thrilling performances, making the club one of the most recognized globally.
New York Cosmos (1975–1977)
After retiring from Brazilian football, Pelé joined the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League (NASL). He helped popularize football in the United States, attracting global attention and leaving a lasting legacy for the sport in the country.
International Career
Pelé’s international debut for Brazil came in 1957, at just 16 years old, and he scored in his first match. He remains the youngest player to achieve many World Cup records.
World Cup Achievements:
- 1958 FIFA World Cup (Sweden):
- At 17, Pelé dazzled the world, scoring six goals, including a hat-trick in the semi-final and two in the final against Sweden.
- Brazil won their first World Cup, with Pelé becoming the youngest-ever World Cup winner.
- 1962 FIFA World Cup (Chile):
- Although sidelined by injury after the second match, Pelé’s early contributions helped Brazil retain the trophy.
- 1970 FIFA World Cup (Mexico):
- At 29, Pelé led one of the greatest teams in football history.
- Scored four goals and provided key assists, including in the final against Italy, where Brazil triumphed 4–1.
- He became the only player to win three World Cups.
In total, Pelé scored 77 goals in 92 matches for Brazil, a record he holds jointly with Neymar (as of 2024).
Playing Style
Pelé was a complete footballer, excelling in every aspect of the game:
- Scoring: He scored over 1,280 goals in his career, a record unmatched in official and friendly games.
- Dribbling: His close control, agility, and creativity left defenders helpless.
- Vision: Pelé was not only a prolific scorer but also a master playmaker, setting up countless goals for teammates.
- Physicality: Despite his modest height (5’8″), Pelé possessed exceptional strength, speed, and a remarkable leap for headers.
Off the Field
Pelé’s impact extended far beyond the pitch.
- Global Ambassador: After retiring, Pelé became an advocate for football and humanitarian causes, serving as a global ambassador for the sport.
- UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador: Promoted education and peace through sports.
- Author: Wrote several autobiographies and books on football.
- Films and Media: Starred in the movie Escape to Victory and was a frequent guest on global platforms.
Honors and Legacy
- Individual:
- FIFA Player of the Century (2000, shared with Diego Maradona).
- Time’s list of 100 most influential people of the 20th century.
- Records:
- Only player to win three FIFA World Cups.
- Most career goals in football history (1,283).
Pelé’s contributions to football transformed it into the world’s most popular sport. His skill, sportsmanship, and charisma made him a global icon, beloved by fans across generations.
Final Years and Passing
Pelé spent his later years focusing on his family and philanthropy. He battled health issues, including kidney problems and cancer, and passed away on December 29, 2022. His death marked the end of an era, but his legacy as the “King of Football” endures, inspiring millions around the globe.
Pelé remains an eternal symbol of the beauty, joy, and universal appeal of football, earning his title as O Rei (The King).
