Pelé is one of those few names in the history of soccer that have shined all over. Considered the best footballer ever, the Brazilian superstar stands as an icon who revolutionized the game with his amazing abilities, goals that shattered records, and unforgettable stage performances. His hard work and talent helped him reach all his desired goals.
The only player to have won the FIFA World Cup three times, Pelé also has the most career goals scored at greater than 1,280. But his appeal, sportsmanship, and commitment to the game turned him into a worldwide football ambassador that goes far beyond figures. Moreover, he has become an inspiration for many.
Early Life and Starting Career
Pelé started to play soccer early on. Born in poverty, he played with a homemade ball of socks filled with paper. Although he was once a soccer player, his father, Dondinho, groomed his son’s talent notwithstanding the financial difficulties. Pelé started with Santos FC at only 15 and soon became famous for his amazing dribbling and scoring capabilities.
Pelé made his first appearance for Santos in 1956 and was the leading scorer of the league within a year. At the age of seventeen, his play caught the eye of the Brazilian national team selectors, securing him a place in the team for the 1958 FIFA World Cup.
How Many Times Did Pelé Win the FIFA World Cup?
With three FIFA World Cups under his belt, Pelé’s most stunning accomplishment is one no other athlete has achieved. His famed successes merit our closer attention:
1.1958 FIFA World Cup (Sweden) – A Star is Born
At 17 years old, Pelé competed in his first World Cup. Young though he was, he astounded the world with his genius, scoring six goals in the event, including:
- Three goals in the semi-final against France (5-2)
- With two goals in the final against Sweden (five – two), he remained the youngest player ever to score in a World Cup final (a record still standing now).
- Instantly a legend, his stunning dribbling, strong shots, and accurate finishing made him so. Brazil first won the World Cup and Pelé rose to worldwide stardom instantly.
2.1962 FIFA World Cup (Chile) – Brazil’s Dominance Continues
- Pelé was already a celebrity by 1962. Beginning the competition in style, he scored a wonderful goal against Mexico in Brazil’s first game. A second-game disabling injury, however, kept him out for the remainder of the event.
- Notwithstanding his absence, Brazil went on led by Garrincha to defend their championship by prevailing in the final against Czechoslovakia (3-1). At only 21 years old, Pelé still received a World Cup winner’s medal and was a two-time champion.
3. The Best Ever Team of All Time: 1970 FIFA World Cup (Mexico)
After a letdown World Cup in 1966, Pelé came back to captain what many regard as the finest soccer team ever put together—the Brazilian team of 1970.
- With a brilliant header in the final against Italy (4-1), Pelé netted four goals in the tournament.
- His assist for Carlos Alberto’s goal is honored, putting a gorgeous team goal—one of the most celebrated in soccer history—several.
- Pelé was dubbed the best player ever after Brazil’s third World Cup win, and FIFA later proclaimed the 1970 side the top in history.
Pelé’s Career Achievements & Records
Here are some career achievements and records this FIFA star has achieved:
- Still valid today, Pelé’s club and national career abound with records.
- With 1,283 goals in 1,363 games, he is the most prolific goal scorer in football.
- Winning six Brazilian league championships with Santos FC, he ruled South American soccer.
- Santos won two Copa Libertadores trophies (1962, 1963), the South American version of the UEFA Champions League.
- Alongside Diego Maradona, named FIFA Player of the Century (2000).
- Until Neymar tied it in 2022, he had the most goals for Brazil (77 goals in 92 games).
Lifestyle & Wealth
Although raised in poverty in Três Corações, Brazil, Pelé rose to be one of the richest sportsmen ever. His professional income resulted from:
1. Football Deals and Transfers
Refusing attractive offers from European teams, Pelé played much of his club career at Santos FC. He later joined the New York Cosmos (1975-1977), but would help to make soccer more famous in the United States.
2. Endorsements and Sponsorships
With companies including, Pelé inked multi-million dollar agreements:
- Puma (known for the “Pelé Pact” with Adidas, under which neither company negotiated to sign him, yet Puma broke the treaty!)
- Coca-Cola
- Volkswagen
- Hublot (Luxury Watches)
3. Net Worth & Philanthropy
Pelé’s net worth was roughly $100 million at the climax of his career. Still, he was also famed for his philanthropic activities and charitable donations. Through UNICEF and other organizations, he pushed for worldwide children’s education and healthcare.
10 Fascinating Facts About Pelé
Being a fan of Pele everyone will love to get to know about some interesting facts about him. Here are few details:
- Pelé almost had his first name changed to “Edson” after Thomas Edison, but his mother removed the “i.”
- Although he was given the moniker “Pelé” as a child when he heard a native goalie’s name, his official name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento.
- With his 1,000th goal in 1969, Pelé set off a huge on-field celebration in Brazil.
- Once he stopped a conflict! In 1967 in Nigeria, a truce was called so that people could observe him preparing a show match.
- As Brazil’s Minister of Sports (1995-1998), he argued for improved football conditions.
- One of the movies Pelé starred in was the 1981 feature Escape to Victory with Michael Caine and Sylvester Stallone.
- Among other things, he wrote songs for a Brazilian album.
- His work supporting humanitarian efforts earned him the title of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.
- In 1977, Pelé finished his career by playing one half for Santos and the other for New York Cosmos.
- In 2012, FIFA formally declared him “The Greatest” and thereby confirmed his status as the most renowned football legend.
Immortal Legacy
More than a great athlete, Pelé embodied humility, joy, and greatness. His record-setting career, brilliant talent, and football contributions will always be remembered. Even after his demise in December 2022, Pelé’s name endures forever in football history.
Players like Messi, Ronaldo, and Neymar have carried the torch as football changes, but none have quite equaled the wonder and influence of Pelé. For centuries to follow, his heritage will be an inspiration to many millions.
