Pelé – Complete Biography

Full Name

Edson Arantes do Nascimento

Popular Name

Pelé

Date of Birth

October 23, 1940

Place of Birth

Três Corações, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Date of Death

December 29, 2022

Age at Death

82 years

Nationality

Brazilian

Profession

Professional Footballer

Playing Position

Forward / Attacking Midfielder

Early Life

Pelé was born into a humble family in Três Corações, Brazil. His father, João Ramos do Nascimento (Dondinho), was also a footballer but never achieved major success due to injuries. Pelé grew up in poverty and often practiced football using a sock stuffed with paper or rags because his family could not afford a real ball.

From a very young age, Pelé showed extraordinary talent. He was trained by former Brazilian international Waldemar de Brito, who later took him to Santos FC and predicted that the boy would become the greatest footballer in the world.

Club Career

Santos FC (1956–1974)

Pelé joined Santos FC at the age of 15 and made his professional debut in 1956. He quickly became a sensation, scoring goals at an unbelievable rate.

Achievements with Santos:

  • 6× Brazilian League titles
  • 2× Copa Libertadores (1962, 1963)
  • 2× Intercontinental Cups
  • Over 600 goals for the club

Pelé transformed Santos into a global brand, attracting international attention wherever they toured.

New York Cosmos (1975–1977)

In 1975, Pelé joined the New York Cosmos in the United States, helping to popularize football in North America.

Achievements:

  • NASL Championship (1977)
  • Global ambassador for football in the USA

He retired from professional football in 1977.

International Career (Brazil)

Pelé is the only footballer in history to win three FIFA World Cups.

World Cup Titles

  • 1958 – Sweden (at age 17)
  • 1962 – Chile
  • 1970 – Mexico

He scored 77 goals in 92 matches for Brazil, a national record for many years.

Iconic Moment

Pelé’s performance in the 1970 World Cup final is widely considered one of the greatest displays in football history.

Playing Style

Pelé was known for:

  • Exceptional goal-scoring ability
  • Two-footed shooting
  • Powerful headers
  • Speed, balance, and vision
  • Creativity and intelligence

He combined physical strength with technical brilliance, making him complete in every sense.

Career Statistics (Approximate)

  • Total Career Goals: 1,281 (including friendlies)
  • Official Competitive Goals: Over 760
  • Professional Matches: Over 1,300

Awards & Honors

  • FIFA Player of the Century (Joint with Maradona)
  • Ballon d’Or Honorary Award (2013)
  • FIFA Order of Merit
  • Named in countless “Greatest Footballer of All Time” lists

Personal Life

Pelé was married three times and had several children. Despite his fame, his personal life included challenges, health issues, and family struggles. In later years, he suffered from kidney and prostate problems.

Business, Media & Legacy

After retirement, Pelé:

  • Worked as a global football ambassador
  • Served as Brazil’s Minister of Sports (1995–1998)
  • Appeared in movies, documentaries, and advertisements
  • Promoted peace, sports development, and youth programs

Death and Global Reaction

Pelé passed away on December 29, 2022, after battling colon cancer. His death triggered global tributes from footballers, world leaders, and fans.

Brazil declared days of national mourning, and FIFA honored him across stadiums worldwide.

Legacy

Pelé is widely regarded as:

  • The greatest footballer of all time
  • A symbol of joy, excellence, and global unity
  • A pioneer who turned football into a worldwide cultural phenomenon

His name remains eternal in the history of sports.

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