OR

source: wikipedia.org
23 Oct, 1940
29 Dec, 2022
Multiple organ failure
Brazilian
Footballer
82
Pelé, the well-known Brazilian ex-professional footballer, is widely recognized as one of the greatest players in history. Throughout his career, he played as a forward for various teams including Santos, New York Cosmos, and the Brazil national team. Impressively, Pelé managed to secure three FIFA World Cup victories and scored an astonishing 1,283 goals in 1,363 games. To this day, he holds the record for being the highest-scoring player in the history of the Brazil national team with 77 goals achieved in just 92 matches.
Originally named Edson Arantes do Nascimento at birth in Três Corações, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Pelé was given different nicknames by his family and friends – “Dico” and later “Pelé.” Despite growing up under challenging circumstances marked by poverty, his upbringing did not deter him from pursuing his passion for football. In fact, Pelé developed his soccer skills using a makeshift ball made out of socks stuffed with newspapers. At just fifteen years old, Pelé’s exceptional talent caught the attention of Santos, a prominent club based out of São Paulo, leading to him joining their ranks.
In 1956, Pelé embarked on his journey with Santos, where he promptly showcased remarkable prowess by scoring a goal during his second match. He quickly rose to stardom thereafter, becoming instrumental in securing numerous domestic and international titles for Santos. These accomplishments include six Campeonato Brasileiro Série A wins, two Copa Libertadores triumphs, and two Intercontinental Cups.
Pelé maintained an active presence within the Brazilian national team throughout this period. His contributions were pivotal, particularly his involvement in securing their first World Cup victory in 1958 at age 17. In 1962 and 1970, he achieved victory in two additional World Cups, netting a total of 12 goals across four tournaments.
Following his departure from Santos in 1974, Pelé relocated to the United States to join the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League. During his time there, he played an instrumental role in popularizing football within America and ultimately clinched the league championship in 1977. The grand finale of his career took place at Giants Stadium, where he faced off against his former club Santos before a crowd of 75,000 supporters.
Pelé ultimately retired as one of history’s most decorated players, with an abundance of accolades and honors. Regarded as a national hero within Brazil and hailed as a cultural icon worldwide, Pelé sadly passed away at the age of 82 in 2022.
Pelé
Pelé
Male
Multiple organ failure
Três Corações, Brazil
São Paulo, Brazil
Entrepreneur: Pelé was always looking for the next big thing and was on the look out for the next challenge.
He was signed by Santos at the age of 15.
He was appointed as the first Minister of Sport in Brazil in 1995.
He was named after American inventor Thomas Edison.
When Pelé scored his 1000th career goal, hundreds of fans raced onto the pitch to mob the Brazilian star and it took over 30 minutes for the game to resume.
He is often called “Pérola Negra” in Brazil which means Black Pearl.
Coca-Cola sponsors a Pelé museum in Brazile that travels on wheels throughout the country.
Pelé scored a total of 1283 goals in his career.
He was named Greatest Player of the 20th Century by World Soccer in 1999.
He was elected Citizen of the World by the United Nations in 1977.
He was elected Goodwill Ambassador by UNESCO in 1993.
He was awarded the Order of the Military Merit in 1995.
He won the Golden Ball in the 1970 FIFA World Cup.
He won the award for Best Young Player in the 1958 FIFA World Cup.
Pelé and Maradona shared the prize for FIFA Player of the Century.
He holds the Guinness World Record for most career goals in world football.
He won the FIFA Presidential Award in 2007.
Pelé was the top scorer in the Intercontinental Cup in 1926 and 1963.
He won the Silver Ball in the FIFA World Cup in 1958.
He was the Top Scorer in the South American Championship in 1959
He was awarded the National Order of Merit by the government of Brazil in 1991.
He was inducted into the American National Soccer Hall of Fame in 1992.
Pelé won the International Peace Award in 1978.
He was named South American Footballer of the Year in 1973.