Pele Biography: Life And Career Of The Legendary Soccer Player

Pele, born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, is a legendary soccer player who is considered one of the greatest players of all time. Throughout his illustrious career, Pelé won numerous trophies, including the FIFA World Cup, and broke several records that still stand today.

Throughout his career, he scored a staggering 1,281 goals in 1,363 appearances, a record that still stands today.

In this biography, we will explore Pelé’s early life, his incredible soccer career, and his record-breaking achievements on the international stage.

Early Life

Pele, whose full name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, is a Brazilian football legend who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Born on October 23, 1940, in Três Corações, Brazil, he showed his talent for the sport from a young age.

Growing up in poverty, Pele’s love for football began to blossom while playing barefoot on the streets of Bauru, São Paulo. At the age of 15, he made his professional debut for Santos FC, a Brazilian club. It was during this time that Pele’s exceptional skills and ability to score goals caught the attention of football enthusiasts worldwide.

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Club Career

Pele in Santos

He began his professional career at the age of 15, joining Santos Football Club in Brazil in 1956. He quickly made a name for himself, showcasing his incredible skills and goal-scoring abilities. During his 18-year tenure at Santos, Pele helped the club achieve unprecedented success, winning numerous domestic and international titles.

One of the most remarkable moments of Pele’s club career came in 1962 when Santos won the prestigious Copa Libertadores, South America’s premier club competition, for the first time in their history. He played a pivotal role in this triumph, scoring crucial goals throughout the tournament. Santos went on to win the tournament again in 1963 and 1964, with Pele being instrumental in their success.

In addition to his success in South America, Pele also left an indelible mark on the global stage. Santos participated in several international tournaments during Pele’s time at the club, including the Intercontinental Cup. He helped Santos win this prestigious competition in 1962 and 1963, defeating European powerhouses Benfica and Milan, respectively.

Pele’s club career was also marked by his incredible goal-scoring record. He scored a staggering 643 goals in 656 appearances for Santos, making him the club’s all-time leading goal-scorer. His ability to find the back of the net with ease earned him the nickname “O Rei” (The King) among Santos fans.

Pele in New York Cosmos

Furthermore, his club career was not limited to Santos alone. In 1975, he briefly played for the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League (NASL). His move to the United States helped popularize soccer in the country and brought international attention to the NASL. Although his time with the Cosmos was relatively short, Pele’s impact was significant.

He retired from professional football in 1977, leaving behind a remarkable club career filled with countless titles, records, and unforgettable moments. He contributed to Santos and the sport as a whole have cemented his legacy as one of the greatest football players in history.

His club career was nothing short of extraordinary. Also, the time at Santos, where he achieved unprecedented success, and his brief stint with the New York Cosmos showcased his immense talent and impact on the game. Pele’s legacy as a football icon continues to inspire generations of players and fans alike.

International Career

Pele’s success at the club level also translated to the international stage. He made his debut for the Brazilian national team in 1957 at just 16 years old and went on to represent his country in four FIFA World Cup tournaments. In 1958, at the age of 17, Pele became the youngest player to win the World Cup, scoring six goals and providing crucial assists throughout the tournament.

Pele’s international success continued in the following years, as he played a crucial role in Brazil winning the 1962 World Cup in Chile. However, it was in 1970 that Pele truly showcased his extraordinary talent. As the captain of the Brazilian national team, he led them to their third World Cup triumph in Mexico. Pele’s performances in that tournament were nothing short of sensational, and he scored four goals, including one in the final against Italy.

In 1970, he led Brazil to their third World Cup victory in Mexico. He played a pivotal role in the tournament, scoring four goals and providing crucial assists, including a memorable pass to Carlos Alberto in the final against Italy. The goal scored by Carlos Alberto is often regarded as one of the greatest team goals in World Cup history.

Pele Personality

Pele’s personality is often described as joyful, humble, and approachable. Despite his immense fame and success, he has always remained down-to-earth and connected with his fans. He has a warm and friendly demeanor, often seen with a smile on his face both on and off the field.

Throughout his career, he displayed remarkable sportsmanship and respect for his opponents. He was known for his fair play, never engaging in unsporting behavior or intentionally injuring his adversaries. Pele had a strong belief in the importance of teamwork and emphasized the spirit of collaboration among his teammates.

Off the field, he has been an influential figure in many humanitarian endeavors. He has used his platform to advocate for social causes, including children’s rights and education. Pele has also been actively involved in promoting peace and unity through sport, believing that football has the power to bring people together regardless of their backgrounds or differences.

Pele’s magnetic personality has made him a beloved figure worldwide. He has captured the hearts of millions of fans, who admire not only his incredible talent but also his positive attitude and genuine character. Pele’s legacy extends far beyond his playing days, as he continues to inspire and impact people of all ages through his philanthropic work and dedication to the sport.

Personal Life

Marriages

Pele, the legendary Brazilian footballer, has been married three times in his life. His first marriage was to Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi, commonly known as Rose. They got married in 1966 and had two children together. Their first child, Edson Cholbi Nascimento, was born in 1970. He is also known as Edinho and followed in his father’s footsteps as a professional footballer and coach. He and Rose’s second child, Jennifer Nascimento, was born in 1978. Unfortunately, Pele and Rose’s marriage ended in divorce in 1982.

Pele’s second marriage was to Assíria Lemos Seixas, whom he married in 1994. However, this marriage was also short-lived and ended in divorce.

His third marriage is to Marcia Aoki, a Japanese-Brazilian businesswoman. They got married in 2016 and have been together ever since Pele’s Death.

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Children

In addition to his children with Rose, Pele also has other children. One of his most well-known children is Kelly Cristina Nascimento, who was born in 1967. She is Pele’s daughter from a previous relationship. Pele also has two sons, Joshua and Celeste, from other relationships, although they are not as publicly known.

Pele’s marriages and children have been a significant part of his personal life. Despite the challenges and changes that come with marriage and family, Pele remains a beloved figure in the world of football, admired for his skill and contributions to the sport.

Career Statistics

Pele, widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, had an illustrious career that spanned over two decades. His remarkable achievements and statistics make him a true legend of the game. Here are some key statistics from Pele’s career:

Club Career:

• Pele played for Santos FC in Brazil for the majority of his career, from 1956 to 1974.
• During his time at Santos, Pele scored an astonishing 643 goals in 656 official matches, making him the club’s all-time leading scorer.
• He won numerous titles with Santos, including 10 Campeonato Paulista titles and 6 Brasileiro Serie A titles.

International Career:

• Pele represented the Brazilian national team from 1957 to 1971, earning 92 caps and scoring 77 goals.
• He won three FIFA World Cup titles with Brazil, in 1958, 1962, and 1970.
• Pele scored a total of 12 goals in World Cup tournaments, a record that stood for many years.
• He was named the Best Young Player of the 1958 World Cup and later received the FIFA Player of the Century award.

Individual Achievements:

• Pele won numerous individual awards throughout his career, including the FIFA Ballon d’Or three times (in 1958, 1962, and 1970).
• He was the top scorer in the Brazilian League on seven occasions.
• Pele was named South American Footballer of the Year on five occasions.
• In 1999, he was included in the FIFA World Cup All-Time Team and was also named to the FIFA 100 list of the greatest living players.

Overall Statistics:

• Pele’s overall career statistics are truly remarkable. He scored a total of 1,281 goals in 1,363 official matches, averaging 0.94 goals per game.
• This includes goals scored for both Santos FC and the Brazilian national team.

His career statistics speak volumes about his incredible talent, skill, and dedication to the game. He left an indelible mark on football history and will forever be remembered as one of the greatest players to have ever graced the pitch.

Pele Honours

Throughout his illustrious career, he accumulated numerous individual honours, solidifying his status as a true football icon. Athlete Have Bio highlights some of the most significant individual accolades bestowed upon Pele.

One of his most notable individual honours is his three FIFA World Cup titles. Pele led the Brazilian national team to victory in 1958, 1962, and 1970, becoming the only player in history to achieve this remarkable feat. His performances in these tournaments were nothing short of extraordinary, as he showcased his exceptional skills, agility, and goal-scoring prowess on the world stage.

In addition to his World Cup triumphs, he also received the prestigious FIFA Ballon d’Or award on three occasions. This award, which recognizes the best footballer in the world, was presented to him in 1958, 1962, and 1970. His consistent excellence and ability to dominate matches earned him this coveted accolade, further solidifying his status as a footballing legend.

Furthermore, he was named South American Footballer of the Year seven times throughout his career. This regional recognition highlights his consistent brilliance and impact in South American football. Pele’s ability to consistently perform at the highest level, year after year, showcases his extraordinary talent and dedication to the sport.

Aside from these major honours, he also received numerous other awards and recognitions. He was included in the FIFA 100 list of the greatest living players, as well as being named to the World Team of the 20th Century. These acknowledgments from the football community further underline his remarkable contributions to the game and his lasting legacy.

Pele Legacy

His impact on the sport extended far beyond the pitch. He brought a level of artistry and elegance to football that had never been seen before. Pele’s charisma, sportsmanship, and infectious smile endeared him to fans worldwide, making him a true ambassador of the game.

Even in retirement, Pele’s legacy remains intact. His records and achievements continue to inspire future generations of football players. From his three World Cup victories to the countless records he set throughout his career, his name is synonymous with greatness.

His legacy extends beyond the sport itself. He used his platform to advocate for peace, equality, and social justice. Also, his commitment to making a positive difference in the world has earned him numerous humanitarian awards and recognition.

His legacy is one of unrivaled skill, sportsmanship, and a passion for the game. His impact on football is immeasurable, and his name will forever be etched in the annals of sporting history. As fans and admirers, we can only marvel at the incredible journey of this football legend and be grateful for the joy he brought to the beautiful game.