Pele is a record-breaking legend and global icon.
Edson Arentes do Nascimento, born October 23, 1940, widely known as Pele, is a Brazilian forward known as one of the greatest footballers of all time, and his extraordinary career made him an athlete one of the most famous and loved in the 20th century for centuries. In 1999, Pele was recognized as the Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee, and Pele was included in Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people. He scored an impressive 1,279 goals in 1,363 matches, including friendlies, a record officially recognized by Guinness World Records.
Pele began his career at Santos at the age of 15 and joined the Brazilian national team at the age of 16. He achieved unparalleled success in his international career by becoming the only player to win three FIFA World Cups, in 1958, 1962, and 1970. He was also the youngest to win a World Cup at the age of 17. After the 1958 tournament, he earned the nickname "O Rei.". (The King). With 77 goals in 92 games for Brazil, Pelé held the record as the top scorer of the national team for more than 50 years. At club level, he is Santos' all-time top scorer, with 643 goals in 659 matches.
During the golden era for Santos, he won the Copa Libertadores in 1962 and the Intercontinental Cup in 1962. Pelé is credited with giving rise to the phrase "The Beautiful Game" through his electrifying play and stunning goals. was popular, which made him a global star, He led his teams on international tours, benefited from his famous reputation, and was once the highest paid player in the world. After retiring in 1977, Pelé became an ambassador for global soccer and launched a series of acting and commercial projects. In 2010, he was elected honorary president of the New York Universe.
Known for his exceptional scoring prowess, Pele averaged nearly one goal per game throughout his career. He was adept on both feet, playing the ball well and anticipating his opponents' movements. Primarily a striker, Pelé also excelled in the playing role, using his vision and passing ability to score goals and showcasing his dribbling skills to guide past defenders. not only the development of football in Brazil but also advocated policies aimed at improving the living conditions of the poor. He is known as a national hero, and his victory in the 1958 World Cup, where he appeared and proved to be a global sporting icon, was an important inspiration. During his career and in retirement, Pelé has won numerous individual and group awards in recognition of his extraordinary achievements, iconic achievements, and lasting legacy to the game.
Early years
Pele was born Edson Arantes do Nascimento on October 23, 1940, in Tres Corasos, Minas Gerais. His parents were Fluminense footballers Dondinho (born Joao Ramos do Nascimento), and Celeste Arantes (1922–2024). As the older of two brothers, Pele’s younger brother Zoca also played for Santos, albeit unsuccessfully. His parents intended to name him "Edson" after the American inventor Thomas Edison, but a clerical error on his birth certificate showed several letters as "Edison," and his family initially called him "Dico." During his school years, he earned the nickname "Pele" after mispronouncing the name of his favorite footballer, Vasco da Gama's goalkeeper Bille. According to Pele’s 2006 autobiography, neither he nor any of his childhood friends knew the meaning of the nickname, which has no meaning in Portuguese.
Pelé grew up in poverty in Bouru, São Paulo, where he helped support his family by working as a servant in tea shops. Because his father taught him to play soccer, he often had to play balls in his youth, such as newspaper socks and socks tied with rope or grapes. Paulinho and Ameriquinha played for several amateur clubs, including Sete de Setembro, Canto do Rio, and São Paulinho. Under the tutelage of coach Valdemar de Brito, Pelé led the juniors at Bauru Atlético Club to two São Paulo provincial youth championships. In his mid-teens, he joined an indoor soccer club called Radium, during which time soccer became popular in Bouru. Pele and his team won the first soccer championship in the province and more after that.
Pele found that indoor soccer is harder and faster compared to traditional soccer. Quick thinking and decision-making are essential to moving faster and closer to the players on the field, he said. Pele credits football with giving him the ability to think on his feet. When he was about 14, he was given the opportunity to play against older players, although he was initially considered too young to be competitive. He finished as the top scorer with 14 or 15 goals, a feat that boosted his confidence. "It gave me a lot of confidence and strength," Pele said. "I knew then that I didn't have to fear what was coming."
International career
1958 World Cup
Pelé made a historic impact at the 1958 FIFA World Cup in Sweden. Aged just 17, he scored six goals in all competitions, including a goal in the semi-final and two in the final, to lift Brazil to the World Cup, the first victory of the
1959 South American Championship
Pelé played a key role in Brazil winning the 1959 South American Championship (now Copa America). He was instrumental in Brazil winning the continental championship.
1962 World Cup
At the 1962 FIFA World Cup in Chile, Pelé continued to show his extraordinary skills, although he was injured. Despite limited participation, Brazil won the tournament and claimed their second World Cup title.
1966 World Cup
The 1966 FIFA World Cup in England was a disappointing campaign for Pelé and Brazil. The team was eliminated from the group stage, and Pele suffered an injury during the tournament, compounding his impact on the pitch.
1970 World Cup
Pele's performance at the 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico cemented his status as a football legend. He led Brazil to their third World Cup triumph, scoring four goals and providing crucial assists throughout the tournament, including one in Brazil's 4-1 win over Italy in the final.
Religion
A devout Catholic, Pele once donated an autographed shirt to Pope Francis, as well as a football autographed by Ronaldo Nazario. The relic is now housed in one of the Vatican museums.
Death and funeral
Pelé passed away on December 29, 2022, at the age of 82. His death marked the end of an era in football, causing great sadness around the world. His death was deeply mourned, reflecting the enormous impact he had on the sport and the world. The circumstances surrounding his death, the funeral arrangements, and the global reaction to his passing underlined his legacy and the immense respect he commanded around the world.
Pelé battled health issues in the years leading up to his death, including complications from colon cancer, which he was diagnosed with in 2021. Despite the best efforts of his medical team, his health deteriorated, and he eventually died of the disease.
Death and Global Mourning
Date: December 29, 2022
Location: Albert Einstein Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil
Age: 82
Pele was buried in a private ceremony at Memorial Necropol Ecumenica, a vertical cemetery in Santos. His burial is in a cemetery overlooking Santos Square, allowing him to "rest in peace near the field" where he achieved legendary status.
Funeral Arrangements
Pelé’s funeral was a significant event in Brazil, with his home city of Santos playing a central role in the ceremonies.
Wake and viewing
Location: Estádio Urbano Caldeira (Vila Belmiro), Santos, Brazil
Date: January 2, 2023
Details: Pelé's wake was held at the Santos FC stadium, where he played much of his club career. The public was allowed to pay their respects, and thousands of fans, dignitaries, and former players attended the viewing. His coffin was placed at midfield, allowing fans to walk past and honor him.
Funeral Procession
Date: January 3, 2023
Details: After the wake, a funeral procession carried Pelé’s body through the streets of Santos, passing by significant landmarks, including his mother's home, before arriving at the cemetery. The procession was attended by tens of thousands of fans who lined the streets to say goodbye to their hero.
Burial
Location: Memorial Necrópole Ecumênica, Santos, Brazil
Details: Pelé was laid to rest in a private ceremony at the Memorial Necrópole Ecumênica, a vertical cemetery in Santos. His burial site is in a mausoleum overlooking the Santos Stadium, allowing him to "rest in peace near the field," where he achieved legendary status.
Global Reaction and Tributes
National Mourning: Brazil declared three days of national mourning in honor of Pelé. Flags were flown at half-mast, and numerous tributes were organized across the country.
Monuments and Landmarks: Landmarks around the world, including the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and the Wembley Stadium arch in London, were illuminated in Pelé's honor.
Sports Tributes: Football matches across the globe observed moments of silence, and players wore black armbands. FIFA and other football organizations paid tribute through special events and messages.
Personal Tributes: Many of the world’s most famous footballers, including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar, shared personal tributes, expressing their admiration for Pelé and the impact he had on their careers and the sport as a whole.
Legacy
Pele’s death ended a life that not only defined football but also transcended the game. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, the records he set, and the beautiful game he changed. The global response to his death reflected his status as a true legend, and his memory continues to inspire generations to come.
