Pelé (1940-2022) is a retired Brazilian soccer player widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. His full name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, but he is more commonly known by his nickname, Pelé. He is best known for his successful career with the Brazilian national team, with whom he won three World Cup titles, and for his club career with Santos and the New York Cosmos. Pelé was born on October 23, 1940, in Três Corações, Brazil. He began playing professional soccer at the age of 15 and quickly became a star, leading Santos to numerous titles and setting numerous scoring records. Pelé is also known for his philanthropic work and has been involved in various charitable and humanitarian causes throughout his career.
There are several reasons why Pelé is famous.
First and foremost, he was an exceptional soccer player. He is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time and is often referred to as the “King of Soccer.” Pelé was known for his impressive scoring ability, his creative and skilled ball control, and his ability to make his teammates better. He was also a team leader and a fierce competitor.
Pelé’s success on the soccer field played a major role in his fame. He won three World Cup titles with the Brazilian national team and helped lead the team to numerous other victories. He also had a successful club career, winning numerous domestic and international titles with Santos and the New York Cosmos.
In addition to his soccer achievements, Pelé’s fame was also due to his charisma and charm. He was known for his friendly and gracious demeanour, and he was very popular with fans and the media. He was also involved in various charitable and humanitarian causes throughout his career, which added to his reputation as a positive influence in the world of soccer and beyond.
Pelé won three World Cup titles with the Brazilian national team. He was a key player in all three victories and played a crucial role in helping Brazil lift the trophy. Here are the World Cups that Pelé won:
- 1958 World Cup: Pelé was just 17 years old when he helped Brazil win its first-ever World Cup title. He scored a hat-trick in the semifinals against France and was the youngest player to score in a World Cup final. Brazil defeated Sweden 5-2 in the final, with Pelé scoring two goals.
- 1962 World Cup: Pelé missed the majority of the tournament due to injury, but he returned for the final against Czechoslovakia and scored the decisive goal in Brazil’s 3-1 victory.
- 1970 World Cup: Pelé was the captain of the Brazilian team in this World Cup, and he played a pivotal role in helping Brazil win its third title. He scored four goals in the tournament, including a stunning overhead kick in the quarterfinals against Czechoslovakia. Brazil defeated Italy 4-1 in the final, with Pelé assisting on one of the goals.
After retiring from professional soccer in 1977, Pelé became involved in various business ventures and charitable causes. He also continued to be involved in soccer as a coach, team owner, and commentator.
One of Pelé’s most significant post-playing careers was his role as a United Nations ambassador for ecology and the environment. In this role, he worked to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainable development.
Pelé also continued to be involved in soccer in various capacities. He served as a coach for the New York Cosmos and was involved in the ownership of the team. He also worked as a commentator and analyst for soccer broadcasts and was a global ambassador for the sport.
In addition to his charitable and soccer-related activities, Pelé also pursued business ventures, including endorsement deals and the development of soccer-themed amusement parks. He has also written several books, including an autobiography.
Overall, Pelé has remained active and influential in various spheres since retiring from professional soccer.
