Pelé

The King of football, Pelé remains the only player to win three FIFA World Cups.

Edson Arantes do Nascimento (23 October 1940 – 29 December 2022), better known by his nickname Pelé, was a Brazilian professional footballer who played as a forward. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in history, he was among the most successful and popular sports figures of the 20th century. His 1,279 goals in 1,363 games, which includes exhibition games, is recognised as a Guinness World Record. In 1999, he was named Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee and was included in the Time list of the 100 most important people of the 20th century. In 2000, Pelé was voted World Player of the Century by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) and was one of the two joint winners of the FIFA Player of the Century, alongside Diego Maradona.

Quick Facts

Birth name: Edson Arantes do Nascimento
Birthplace: Três Corações, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Died: 29 December 2022
Place of death: São Paulo, Brazil
Resting place: Memorial Necrópole Ecumênica, Santos, São Paulo
Height: 1.73 m / 5 ft 8 in
Education: Metropolitan University of Santos (UNIMES)
Occupation: Footballer, humanitarian

Lore & Background

Pelé began playing for the Brazilian club Santos at age 15, and for the Brazil national team at 16. During his international career, he won three FIFA World Cup titles – in 1958, 1962, and 1970 – becoming the only player to do so and the youngest to win a World Cup, at just 17 years old. He was nicknamed O Rei (the King) following the 1958 World Cup. With 77 goals in 92 games for Brazil, Pelé held the record as the national team's top goalscorer for over fifty years. At club level, Pelé is Santos' all-time top goalscorer with 643 goals in 659 games. In a golden era for Santos, Pelé led the club to victory at the 1962 and 1963 Copa Libertadores and at the 1962 and 1963 Intercontinental Cup. Ten months after signing professionally, Pelé was called up to the Brazil national team.

Reader's Guide

Pelé averaged almost a goal per game throughout his career and could strike the ball with either foot. While predominantly a striker, he could also be a playmaker, providing assists with his vision and passing ability. In Brazil, he was hailed as a national hero for his accomplishments in football and for his outspoken support of policies to benefit the poor. His emergence at the 1958 World Cup, where he became a Black global sporting star, was a source of inspiration. Throughout his career and in his retirement, Pelé received numerous individual and team awards for his performance on the field, his record-breaking achievements, and his legacy in the sport.

Did You Know?

Pelé was named after the American inventor Thomas Edison, but an error on his birth certificate led many documents to show his name as 'Edison'.
He credited futsal for helping him think better on the spot and for giving him confidence as a young player.
Pelé's most memorable goal, in his own words, was scored against Clube Atlético Juventus on 2 August 1959, though no video footage exists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Pelé and what is his real name?

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, universally celebrated as Pelé, is the legendary Brazilian forward and playmaker honored by FIFA as the 'King of Football.' He holds the exclusive distinction of being the only player to win three World Cup titles, claiming victories in 1958, 1962, and 1970.

What are Pelé's official statistics for the Brazil National Team?

Pelé represented Brazil from his debut in 1957 until 1971, accumulating 92 caps while wearing the iconic number 10 jersey. During this period, he scored 77 goals in official matches, showcasing extraordinary efficiency as a primary attacker.

Why is Pelé regarded as the greatest player in football history?

His unparalleled legacy stems from winning three World Cups, an achievement that remains unique among all competitors and solidifies his title as a global sporting icon. FIFA officially recognizes this feat, marking him as the undisputed jewel of Brazilian football and a transformative figure in the sport's evolution.

When did Pelé make his international debut?

Pelé made his official debut for the Brazil National Team in 1957, launching a career that would redefine excellence on the world stage. He quickly established himself as the squad's star player, wearing number 10 throughout his historic tenure until 1971.