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