PERSONAL INFORMATION
Full Name: Edson Arantes do Nascimento
Nickname: Pelé
Date of Birth: October 23, 1940
Place of Birth: Três Corações, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Date of Death: December 29, 2022
Place of Death: São Paulo, Brazil
Age at Death: 82 years
Nationality: Brazilian
Religion: Roman Catholic
Height: 1.73 meters (5 feet 8 inches)
Weight (during career): Approx. 70 kg
Position: Forward / Attacking Midfielder
Preferred Foot: Right
Languages Spoken: Portuguese, some English
Ethnicity: Afro-Brazilian
EARLY LIFE
Pelé was born on October 23, 1940, in Três Corações, a small town in Minas Gerais, Brazil. He was the first child of João Ramos do Nascimento, commonly known as Dondinho, a former footballer, and Celeste Arantes, a homemaker. His family was poor, and Pelé grew up in modest conditions. Despite economic hardship, his parents emphasized education, humility, and respect.
Pelé’s nickname came from a childhood mispronunciation. As a young boy, he mispronounced the name of a goalkeeper called “Bilé” as “Pelé,” and schoolmates teased him with the nickname — which eventually stuck. At home, he helped his family by working small jobs such as shining shoes and selling peanuts. However, his passion was football. He would play with a sock stuffed with rags or a grapefruit, as his family couldn't afford a real ball.
From a young age, Pelé showed extraordinary talent and understanding of the game. He joined several youth teams, most notably Bauru Athletic Club, where he was coached by Waldemar de Brito, a former Brazilian international. At age 15, de Brito brought him to Santos FC in São Paulo and confidently declared that the boy would be “the greatest footballer in the world.” Just one year later, Pelé debuted professionally — and soon proved that prophecy right.
CLUB CAREERS
Pelé’s club career is most famously associated with Santos FC in Brazil and New York Cosmos in the United States. His time at these clubs helped elevate football globally and cement his legacy as one of the greatest players in history.
1. Santos FC (1956–1974)
Pelé joined Santos Futebol Clube at the age of 15 in 1956, after being scouted by Waldemar de Brito. He made his professional debut in September 1956, scoring a goal in a 7–1 victory. From then on, he quickly became a sensation.
Over 18 seasons with Santos, Pelé scored 643 goals in 659 official matches, making him the club’s all-time leading scorer. In total (including friendlies), he scored over 1,000 goals for the club. Santos, with Pelé leading the attack, won multiple Campeonato Paulista (São Paulo State Championships), Copa Libertadores titles (1962, 1963), and Intercontinental Cups (1962, 1963) against European champions like Benfica and AC Milan.
Santos became a global brand largely because of Pelé. The club toured extensively in Europe, Africa, and Asia, playing friendly matches where Pelé was often the main attraction. His success also helped popularize Brazilian football worldwide.
2. New York Cosmos (1975–1977)
In 1975, Pelé came out of semi-retirement to sign with New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League (NASL). At the time, football (soccer) was relatively obscure in the U.S., and his arrival was intended to boost the sport’s popularity.
Pelé brought star power to the NASL, attracting huge crowds and media attention. He played alongside other football legends like Franz Beckenbauer and Giorgio Chinaglia. In 1977, his final season, he led Cosmos to the NASL championship, known as Soccer Bowl '77.
Though he scored fewer goals in the U.S. (37 in 64 matches), his presence had a profound impact on the development of soccer in North America. His final match, on October 1, 1977, was a friendly between Santos and Cosmos, in which he played one half for each team.
Club Career Highlights Summary
Clubs:
Santos FC (1956–1974)
New York Cosmos (1975–1977)
Total Official Club Appearances: Approx. 700+
Total Club Goals (official): 680+
Total Career Goals (including friendlies): Over 1,280
INTERNATIONAL CAREER
Pelé’s international career with the Brazil national football team is one of the most iconic in the history of the sport. He played for Brazil from 1957 to 1971, during which he participated in four FIFA World Cups and won three titles — a record still unmatched by any other player.
Debut and Early Years (1957–1958)
Pelé made his debut for the Brazil national team at just 16 years old, on July 7, 1957, in a match against Argentina. He scored a goal in that match, becoming the youngest player ever to score for Brazil at the time. His breakthrough came at the 1958 FIFA World Cup in Sweden, where he was just 17 years old.
Despite missing the opening matches due to injury, he made a remarkable impact in the knockout stages. He scored a hat-trick in the semi-final against France and two goals in the final against Sweden, helping Brazil win its first World Cup. Pelé became the youngest player ever to play in, score in, and win a World Cup final.
World Cup Glory and Setbacks (1962–1970)
In the 1962 FIFA World Cup in Chile, Pelé scored a stunning goal in the opening match but was injured in the second game and did not play again in the tournament. Despite his absence, Brazil retained the title, and Pelé received a winner’s medal.
The 1966 World Cup in England was a disappointing chapter. Pelé was repeatedly fouled and injured, and Brazil was eliminated in the group stage — the only World Cup he played in but did not win.
Pelé returned in full form for the 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, widely regarded as the greatest World Cup team ever. He scored four goals, including the opening goal in the final against Italy, as Brazil won 4–1. That victory gave Pelé his third World Cup title, making him the only player in history to achieve that feat.
Legacy and Final Matches (1971)
Pelé played his last international match on July 18, 1971, against Yugoslavia. Over his international career, he earned 92 caps and scored 77 goals, which remains tied as Brazil’s all-time record (alongside Neymar, as of 2022).
Pelé’s international legacy is defined not just by his goals and titles, but also by his influence on global football culture. His performances introduced millions of people worldwide to the beauty of Brazilian football — with creativity, flair, and joy. His name became synonymous with World Cup excellence and national pride.
Pelé’s International Career Summary
- National Team: Brazil
- Years Active: 1957–1971
- Caps (Appearances): 92
- Goals: 77
- FIFA World Cups Played: 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970
- World Cups Won: 3 (1958, 1962, 1970)
STYLE OF PLAY
Pelé’s style of play was a perfect combination of natural talent, technical skill, intelligence, physical strength, and creativity. He was a complete forward who could dribble, pass, shoot, and score with both feet and his head. His unique blend of flair and effectiveness set him apart from his peers and laid the foundation for the modern attacker.
1. Technical Ability and Intelligence
Pelé was known for his exceptional ball control, dribbling, and first touch, which allowed him to maneuver through tight spaces and defenders with ease. He had the ability to read the game several moves ahead, often anticipating where defenders and teammates would be. His football IQ was extraordinary — he could operate as both a goal-scorer and a playmaker. Pelé’s vision enabled him to create chances for others, while his decision-making in the final third made him lethal in front of goal.
His dribbling wasn’t just flashy — it was purposeful. He often beat defenders not with tricks, but with quick turns, sudden accelerations, and clever body movement. Pelé also used “feints” and stepovers long before they became popular in modern football, and he could execute powerful or subtle passes with precision.
2. Physical Attributes and Versatility
Though not tall (1.73 m), Pelé was extremely athletic. He had explosive acceleration, excellent balance, and strong legs that helped him maintain control even under pressure. One of his most notable traits was his leaping ability and heading technique, which allowed him to outjump taller defenders and score many headed goals — a rarity for a forward of his height.
He was two-footed, which meant he could shoot and pass comfortably with both his right and left foot. Pelé also had exceptional stamina and could play in multiple roles: as a center forward, second striker, or attacking midfielder. His tactical versatility made him a threat from anywhere on the pitch.
3. Creativity, Flair, and Leadership
Pelé brought a joyful and expressive style to football. He often played with improvisation, inventing new ways to beat opponents — such as his famous “dummy” against Uruguay in the 1970 World Cup, where he let the ball run past the goalkeeper and collected it on the other side. These moments were not only skillful but also instinctive and daring.
As a leader, he was calm, respectful, and inspired others with his performance rather than through shouting. Even in high-pressure matches, he kept his composure and often delivered when Brazil needed him most. Pelé's ability to maintain brilliance over two decades of play showed his professionalism and love for the game.
Summary of Pelé’s Style of Play
Complete forward: Could pass, dribble, score, and lead
Two-footed: Comfortable with both feet
Excellent header: Known for leaping ability
Quick thinker: Intelligent decision-making
Creative and joyful: Played with flair and freedom
Versatile: Played as striker, second striker, or playmaker
Strong under pressure: Always stepped up in big games
MANAGERIAL CAREER
Pelé never pursued a managerial or coaching career after retiring from professional football. Unlike many other football legends, he chose not to become a club or national team manager, despite his deep knowledge of the game and global influence.
1. No Formal Coaching or Managing Roles
After retiring in 1977, Pelé stated publicly that he did not have the desire to coach or manage teams. He believed his contributions to football were more impactful as an ambassador, rather than as a technical or tactical leader on the sidelines. Pelé once said:
> "God gave me the gift to play football, not to coach it.
This set him apart from legends like Franz Beckenbauer or Zinedine Zidane, who went on to achieve success as managers. Pelé felt that his personality and passion were better suited for promoting the game and mentoring youth off the field rather than managing professional teams under pressure.
2. Football Ambassador and Mentor
Though not a manager, Pelé acted as a global ambassador for football. He often advised young players, met with world leaders, and promoted youth development through football academies. He was also Brazil’s Minister of Sports from 1995 to 1998, during which he introduced reforms like the “Pelé Law” to protect players' rights in Brazil.
Pelé also worked with organizations like FIFA, UNICEF, and other global charities, using his fame and expertise to advance football’s reach and its role in education, peace, and development.
3. Influence Without Managing
Even without a managerial title, Pelé’s football intelligence and legacy influenced coaches, players, and systems worldwide. His playing style helped shape Brazil’s football identity, and many managers have studied his movement, positioning, and mindset as a model for attacking football.
FINANCIAL CONTROVERSIES
While Pelé largely avoided the scandals and legal troubles that affected some football stars, he was not entirely free from financial controversy:
Sponsorship Disputes: Pelé had multiple sponsorship and endorsement deals, especially after retirement, with brands like Puma and Pepsi. Occasionally, conflicts emerged over unpaid royalties or use of his image without permission.
Tax Questions: In the early 2000s, Brazilian tax authorities reportedly investigated Pelé's finances, but no major convictions or scandals followed.
Business Ventures: Pelé invested in various enterprises, including a failed soccer education company and a line of branded products. Some of these ventures were financially unstable but did not severely damage his public image.
Overall, Pelé was considered relatively disciplined and scandal-free in his financial life compared to many of his peers.
MEDIA INVOLVEMENT
Pelé became a global media figure, especially after retirement:
Films and Documentaries: He appeared in movies such as Escape to Victory (1981) with Sylvester Stallone and starred in several documentaries like Pelé: Birth of a Legend (2016).
Advertising Icon: Pelé was the face of numerous international advertising campaigns, from Coca-Cola to MasterCard. His fame made him one of the earliest global sports brands.
Commentary and Appearances: While he did not become a regular TV analyst, he often appeared on talk shows, news segments, and major sports broadcasts, especially during World Cups.
PERSONAL LIFE
Marriages: Pelé was married three times:
1. Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi (1966–1982)
2. Assíria Seixas Lemos (1994–2008)
3. Marcia Aoki (2016–2022)
Children: Pelé had seven children, including Edinho, a former professional goalkeeper. Some paternity claims were legally contested.
Faith: He was a devout Roman Catholic, and often credited God for his talent.
Languages: He spoke Portuguese and some English.
Hobbies: Pelé loved music and even released a few samba songs and recorded an album in 2006.
DEATHS
Pelé passed away on December 29, 2022, in São Paulo, Brazil, at the age of 82. Cause of death: multiple organ failure due to colon cancer, which he had been battling since 2021.
His death prompted global mourning, with tributes from FIFA, world leaders, footballers, and fans.
Brazil declared three days of national mourning.
His funeral was held at the Vila Belmiro stadium in Santos, and his body was laid to rest at a special vertical cemetery in Santos, overlooking the pitch.
LEGACY
Pelé’s legacy is unmatched:
Only player to win 3 FIFA World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970)
Named FIFA Player of the Century (2000, joint with Maradona)
Helped globalize football, especially in the U.S. via New York Cosmos
A symbol of joyful football — creativity, flair, and excellence
Inspired generations of players: Messi, Neymar, Mbappé, and many others cite Pelé as a role model
Advocated for youth development, peace, and sports diplomacy
His name became synonymous with football — even in non-sporting contexts, people use “Pelé” to describe greatness
CAREER STATISTICS
International (Brazil)
Caps: 92
Goals: 77
Club Football
Santos FC (1956–1974):
Official goals: 643 in 659 matches
New York Cosmos (1975–1977):
Goals: 37 in 64 matches
Career Total (All Matches including Friendlies):
Goals: 1,281
Appearances: 1,363
(Note: The high total includes many friendlies and exhibition matches, which were common in his era.)
HONOURS
International (Brazil)
🏆 FIFA World Cup: 1958, 1962, 1970
Club (Santos)
Copa Libertadores: 1962, 1963
Intercontinental Cup: 1962, 1963
Campeonato Paulista (State League): 10 titles (e.g., 1958, 1960, 1961, etc.)
Club (New York Cosmos)
NASL Championship: 1977
Individual Honors
Ballon d'Or (Honorary): 2013
FIFA Player of the Century (shared): 2000
IOC Athlete of the Century: 1999
Guinness World Record: Most career goals in football
TIME 100 Most Important People of the 20th Century
REFERENCES
Goldblatt, D. (2006). The Ball is Round: A Global History of Football. Riverhead Books.
Bellos, A. (2002). Futebol: The Brazilian Way of Life. Bloomsbury.
FIFA.com. (2022). Pelé: The King of Football.
Kuper, S. & Szymanski, S. (2018). Soccernomics. Nation Books.
The Guardian. (2022). Obituary: Pelé – Brazilian Foo
Ttball Legend.
ESPN. (2022). Pelé's Life and Legacy.
Biography.com. (2023). Pelé Biography.