Pelé | Brazilian Professional Footballer
Pelé real name Edson Arantes do Nascimento, is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a striker. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest…
Pelé real name Edson Arantes do Nascimento, is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a striker. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
Pelé, born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, needs no introduction in the world of football. He transcended the sport, becoming a global icon synonymous with brilliance and artistry. His career, spanning over two decades, is etched in footballing history with achievements that continue to inspire generations.
Born in poverty, Pelé’s talent was evident from a young age. He began playing professionally at 15, captivating audiences with his dazzling footwork, exceptional vision, and prolific goalscoring. His home, Santos FC, witnessed his rise to greatness, where he led them to six Brazilian league titles, two Copa Libertadores victories, and two Intercontinental Cups.
| Stat | Pele |
|---|---|
| Full name | Edson Arantes do Nascimento |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Position | Forward |
| Height | 5’8″ (173 cm) |
| Weight | 163 lbs (74 kg) |
| Date of birth | October 23, 1940 |
| Clubs | Santos, New York Cosmos |
| National team | Brazil |
| Career appearances | 1,363 |
| Career goals | 1,281 |
| World Cup appearances | 4 |
| World Cup goals | 12 |
| World Cup titles | 3 (1958, 1962, 1970) |
Pelé Stats:
| Competition | Club | Years | Apps (Approx.) | Goals (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Campeonato Brasileiro Série A | Santos FC | 1957-1974 | 659 | 507 |
| International Tournaments (incl. World Cup) | Santos FC & Brazil National Team | 1957-1977 | 815 | 773 |
| Ligue 1 | New York Cosmos | 1975-1977 | 64 | 37 |
Pelé’s Career Highlights:
Club Level:
- Santos FC (1956-1974):
- 6 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A titles (1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1968)
- 2 Copa Libertadores titles (1962, 1963)
- 2 Intercontinental Cup titles (1962, 1963)
- Top scorer in Santos FC history (643 goals)
International Level:
- 3 FIFA World Cup titles (1958, 1962, 1970): Only player to achieve this feat
- Youngest player to win a World Cup (17 years old in 1958)
- 12 World Cup goals
- Copa América runner-up (1959)
- Taça de Prata (1959): Won this precursor tournament to the Copa América
Individual Accolades:
- FIFA Player of the Century (joint winner, 2000)
- International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) World Player of the Century (2000)
- Brazilian Athlete of the Century (1999)
- Guinness World Record for most career goals in professional football (1,279 goals)
- Included in the FIFA 100 list of the greatest living footballers in 2004
Other Highlights:
- Known as “O Rei” (The King) for his dominance on the field.
- Credited with popularizing the term “The Beautiful Game” for football.
- An ambassador for the sport, using his influence to promote peace and social causes.
Pelé’s Family:
- Married three times: Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi (1966-1982), Assiria Lemos Seixas (1994-2014), Marcia Aoki (2016-present).
- Seven children: Three with Rosemeri, twins with Assiria, and two others from extramarital relationships.
- Supportive family: Many athletes rely on their families for support, encouragement, and motivation throughout their careers.
