Pele is a retired Brazilian footballer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time. He was born on October 23, 1940, in Tres Coracoes, Brazil, and his full name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento.
Early career
Pele began his football career at the age of 15, playing for Bauru Athletic Club. In 1956, he joined the Santos FC team, where he spent most of his career. At Santos, Pele quickly established himself as a star player, helping the team win numerous titles, including the Copa Libertadores and the Intercontinental Cup.
Stardom of a youngster
Pele’s breakthrough moment came during the 1958 World Cup, held in Sweden. He was just 17 years old at the time, but he played a key role in Brazil’s victory, scoring six goals in the tournament and becoming the youngest player to score in a World Cup final.
Struggle with injuries, Retirement and comeback
Pele’s career was not without its setbacks. In 1962, he suffered an injury that forced him to miss most of the World Cup. He struggled with injuries throughout the rest of his career, but he still managed to lead Santos to more victories and win more individual accolades, including three Ballon d’Or awards.
Pele retired from professional football in 1977, but he made a brief comeback in 1978 to play for the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League. He helped the team win the league championship in his first season.
Late career
After retiring from football for good, Pele became an ambassador for the sport and an advocate for social causes. He has also worked as a television commentator and appeared in several films.
Legacy and life after the football career
Pele’s legacy as a footballer is secure, and he remains one of the most beloved sports figures in Brazil and around the world. He scored a total of 1,281 goals in 1,363 games during his career, making him the top scorer in the history of professional football.
Off the pitch, Pele has been involved in a number of charitable and philanthropic efforts. He founded the Pele Foundation, which supports children’s education and health programs, and he has served as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations.
In recent years, Pele has faced some health problems, including hip and knee replacement surgeries. However, he remains active in the football community and continues to be an inspiration to fans and players alike.
Pelé passed away in December 2022, at the age of 82.
