Soccer Legends - Pelé

Full Name: Edson Arantes do Nascimento

Born: October 23, 1940 (Três Corações, Brazil)
Died: December 29, 2022

• 3-Time FIFA World Cup Champion: 1958, 1962, 1970
  (The only player in history to win three World Cups)
• Debuted in the 1958 World Cup at just 17, scoring 6 goals — including a hat-trick in the semifinal and 2 in the final.

• Santos FC (1956–1974):
  • Won numerous state and international titles, including two Copa Libertadores.
  • Scored over 600 official goals for the club.
• New York Cosmos (1975–1977):
  • Helped popularize soccer in the U.S.
  • Attracted global attention and celebrity status in the North American Soccer League (NASL).

• Over 1,000 career goals (including friendlies and unofficial matches).
• Official goal tally in competitive matches: 757 goals in 831 games.
• Known for his acrobatic shots, powerful headers, and clinical finishing.

• Ambidextrous, explosive pace, and incredible vision.
• Master of dribbling, passing, and team play — not just a goal scorer.
• Played as a forward, second striker, and attacking midfielder.

• Named FIFA Player of the Century (co-winner with Diego Maradona).
• Declared a national treasure by the Brazilian government to prevent him from transferring to foreign clubs.
• Ambassador for the sport long after retirement — a global icon.
• Inspired generations of players around the world.

"Pelé was the only footballer who surpassed the boundaries of logic." – Johan Cruyff

"He's the greatest player of all time." – Franz Beckenbauer