Pelé
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| Pelé 1970 in World Cup for Brazil in Mexico |
Edson Arantes do Nascimento—later celebrated worldwide as Pelé was born on October 23, 1940, in Minas Gerais, Brazil. His father, João Ramos do Nascimento, was also a professional footballer, though his career never earned enough to provide financial stability for the family.
Biography
Despite continuing financial hardship in São Paulo—where he worked various odd jobs to support his family—Pelé’s true gift emerged on the football field. Guided by his father and former Brazilian national team star Waldemar de Brito, Pelé developed his skills while playing for the Bauru Athletic Club juniors.
Recognizing the young prodigy’s immense potential, de Brito arranged a trial for him at Santos FC. The club’s management quickly saw the same promise and officially signed Pelé in June 1956.
Just three months later, he scored on his debut, providing an early glimpse of the extraordinary success that would define his legendary professional career.
Stardom of a youngster
Just one year later, Pelé became the league’s top scorer. At only 17 years old, his incredible performances drew the attention of the Brazilian national team, and he quickly proved worthy of the call-up.
On the world stage at the 1958 FIFA World Cup, Pelé delivered when it mattered most, scoring crucial goals in both the semifinal and the final, leading Brazil to its historic victory.
This remarkable achievement transformed him into a national hero. Pelé became a global household name, celebrated not only for his skill but for inspiring a new era of Brazilian football. The Brazilian government declared him a “national treasure”—a title that elevated his prestige at home, but also legally limited him from signing foreign offers abroad.
Struggle with injuries
Individually, Pelé faced disappointment in the next two World Cups due to injuries. Although Brazil captured the 1962 title, their 1966 campaign was a failure, as the team was eliminated in the group stage without their star in full form.
Despite these international setbacks, Pelé continued to shine for Santos FC. A constant scoring threat, he regularly forced opposing teams to adjust their tactics specifically to contain him. Even so, Pelé’s brilliance remained undeniable—he recorded 60 goals in 1964 and an astonishing 101 goals in 1965, reinforcing his status as one of the greatest attacking players in football history.
Retirement and comeback
In 1970, Pelé had reportedly planned to retire at the peak of his career. However, he was eventually persuaded to join Brazil for one final World Cup in Mexico—on what many regard as the greatest national team ever assembled.
Pelé delivered yet again, scoring goals and providing crucial assists that helped lead Brazil to the championship. His extraordinary performance earned him the Golden Ball, recognizing him as the tournament’s best player.
He remained with the Brazilian national team for roughly another year before officially retiring from international football in 1971. Soon after, he also bid farewell to Santos, the club where he became a legend.
Yet, his playing days were not entirely over.
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| Pelé after scoring in the World Cup final in 1970. |
Late career
Although Pelé had long insisted he would only ever play for Santos, he ultimately answered the call of the New York Cosmos in 1975. The North American Soccer League (NASL) was far below the level of competition he was accustomed to, yet Pelé’s presence transformed the league.
Serving as a global ambassador for the sport, he drew massive crowds and sparked unprecedented interest in soccer across the United States. Attendance surged as the American public, largely new to the game, began to take notice.
Pelé guided the Cosmos to a championship title before finally retiring from professional football. His farewell was commemorated with an emotional exhibition match between his beloved Santos and his adopted American club, the New York Cosmos.
Legacy and life after the football career
When Pelé retired in 1977, he left behind a collection of records that seemed almost untouchable. Over the course of 1,363 matches, he scored 1,283 goals, becoming the all-time leading scorer for both the Brazilian national team and FIFA. Equally remarkable were his 92 career hat-tricks and his record of three FIFA World Cup titles, the most ever won by a single player.
His early achievements were just as extraordinary. As a teenager, Pelé became both the youngest player to score a hat-trick in the World Cup and the youngest to score in a World Cup final, setting milestones that further cemented his legend.
After leaving the pitch, “O Rei” (“The King”) dedicated himself to a wide range of humanitarian and public initiatives. He advocated for poverty reduction, anti-corruption efforts, and environmental protection. His contributions earned him an honorary knighthood, and he also served as Brazil’s Minister of Sport and as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Despite his retirement, Pelé never stopped serving as a global icon of football. He continued to promote the sport through FIFA events, Olympic ceremonies, and countless public engagements. Widely credited with popularizing the phrase “the beautiful game,” Pelé inspired generations to play with the same joy, artistry, and elegance that defined his career.
Nicknamed “The Black Pearl,” Pelé dazzled crowds with his uncanny skill, whether striking the ball with pinpoint accuracy or threading impossible passes through tightly packed defenders. His legendary bicycle kick goal in Belgium in 1968 sent young players everywhere outside to attempt their own acrobatic feats, no matter how painful the practice. Fellow professionals marveled at his ability to escape almost any situation through pure talent and creativity.
As for the origin of the name “Pelé,” its roots remain uncertain. One story claims that it came from his mispronunciation of a goalkeeper’s name, “Bilé,” leading his teammates to nickname him “Pelé” as a playful tease. He never confirmed the tale—and admitted he never particularly liked the name. Yet the mystery only adds to his myth
Ultimately, Pelé’s legacy was never defined by small biographical details but by the profound impact he had on the sport. He passed away in December 2022, at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy that transformed football forever.
