Biography
Pelé was born on October 23, 1940, in Três Corações, Brazil.
His full name was Edson Arantes do Nascimento. Raised in modest circumstances,
he developed an extraordinary talent for football from a very young age.
At just 15, he joined Santos FC, where his remarkable performances quickly
made him one of the most exciting young players in Brazilian football.
Pelé made his Brazil debut as a teenager and became a worldwide star at the
1958 FIFA World Cup, scoring six goals as Brazil lifted the trophy.
He would go on to win the World Cup again in 1962 and 1970,
becoming the only player in history to win three men's FIFA World Cups.
His combination of finishing, dribbling, passing, movement and creativity
helped define an era of attacking football.
For much of his club career, Pelé played for Santos, helping
the club become an international powerhouse. Later, he joined the
New York Cosmos, helping raise the profile of football in
the United States before retiring from professional football in 1977.
Career at a Glance
3
FIFA World Cup titles
1958
First World Cup triumph
77
Brazil goals in 92 appearances
1,281
Career goals in 1,363 games, widely cited
Career Timeline
1940
Born in Brazil
Pelé was born in Três Corações, Minas Gerais.
1956
Santos Breakthrough
As a teenager, Pelé joined Santos and began a legendary club career.
1958
World Cup Champion
At just 17, Pelé helped Brazil win the World Cup in Sweden.
1962
Second World Cup
Brazil successfully defended its World Cup title in Chile.
1970
Third World Cup
Pelé starred as Brazil won the tournament in Mexico.
1975
New York Cosmos
Pelé joined the Cosmos and became one of football's biggest global ambassadors.
1977
Final Match
Pelé officially ended his playing career after an exhibition match.
Major Achievements
🏆
Three-Time World Champion
World Cup winner in 1958, 1962 and 1970
🇧🇷
Brazil Legend
77 goals for Brazil in 92 international appearances
⚽
Santos Icon
Spent the majority of his club career with Santos FC
🌎
Global Ambassador
Helped take football's popularity far beyond Brazil
👑
Football's King
One of the most influential players in football history
Club Career
🇧🇷 Santos FC
1956 – 1974
The club where Pelé became a global superstar. He helped Santos win
major domestic and international trophies, including the Copa Libertadores
and Intercontinental Cup.
🇺🇸 New York Cosmos
1975 – 1977
Pelé's final professional club. His arrival dramatically increased
international attention around football in the United States.
A Legacy That Changed Football
Pelé's impact went far beyond goals and trophies. His performances made
football more accessible and captivating to audiences around the world.
His success with Brazil helped establish the country as one of football's
greatest powers, while his later career in New York helped introduce the
sport to a new generation of American fans.
O REI • THE KING OF FOOTBALL
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