Pelé | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : December 09, 2024

Who is Pelé?

Pelé, born Edson Arantes do Nascimento on October 23, 1940, in Três Corações, Brazil, is widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time. His journey began in poverty, where he honed his skills by playing with makeshift soccer balls in the streets of Bauru. At just 15 years old, Pelé's talent was recognized by coaches, leading to his signing with Santos FC. He quickly made an impact in professional soccer, drawing national attention and starting an illustrious career that would see him capture the world's imagination.

Pelé's true breakout moment came during the 1958 FIFA World Cup, where his remarkable performance helped Brazil secure its first title. The youngest player to ever score in a World Cup, he continued to achieve success, earning two more World Cups in 1962 and 1970. Over his two-decade career in Brazil, Pelé became a national treasure, known for his extraordinary speed, agility, and technical skill. Beyond his accolades on the field, Pelé served as a humanitarian ambassador, using his platform to advocate for various social causes. His legacy as a soccer icon remains unparalleled, as he inspired countless athletes worldwide until his passing on December 29, 2022.

Early Life and Education

Pelé, born Edson Arantes do Nascimento on October 23, 1940, in Três Corações, Brazil, was the first child of João Ramos and Dona Celeste. His family faced poverty, compelling Pelé to find makeshift ways to play soccer, often utilizing a rag-stuffed sock as a ball. The nickname "Pelé," which he initially detested, would become synonymous with soccer greatness. His father, known as "Dondinho," was a struggling soccer player, and Pelé's early experiences influenced his determination to succeed in the sport.

Pelé's soccer journey began in earnest when he joined a youth team coached by Waldemar de Brito, a former Brazilian national team player. Under de Brito's mentorship, Pelé honed his skills, and at the age of 15, he was persuaded to try out for the prestigious Santos Football Club. His determination and natural talent quickly paid off; he signed with Santos, marking the inception of a phenomenal career that would lead him to become an international soccer sensation.

Career Start: Rise to Fame in the 1958 World Cup

Pelé's soccer journey began at a remarkably young age when he joined a youth squad in Bauru, Brazil. Under the guidance of coach Waldemar de Brito, Pelé honed his skills and caught the attention of the Santos professional soccer club. Making his debut for Santos at just 15, he quickly demonstrated his unique talent by scoring his first professional goal before his 16th birthday. This early success paved the way for his recruitment to the Brazilian national team, setting the stage for an extraordinary career that would ultimately captivate the world.

The spotlight truly shone on Pelé during the 1958 FIFA World Cup in Sweden. As a mere 17-year-old, he showcased his phenomenal prowess on the international stage, scoring six goals throughout the tournament. His standout performance included a hat-trick against France in the semifinals, followed by two more goals in the final against the host nation, securing Brazil's first World Cup title. Pelé's speed, agility, and innate soccer intelligence not only earned him recognition as a prodigy but also marked the beginning of his ascent to global superstardom, solidifying his place in soccer history.

Career Success: World Titles and Global Impact

Pelé’s career is defined by his remarkable success on the soccer field, highlighted by three FIFA World Cup titles. He first gained international fame in 1958 when he led Brazil to victory in Sweden at just 17 years old, scoring six goals in the tournament, including a stunning hat trick against France in the semifinals. This triumph marked the beginning of his legacy, and he subsequently helped Brazil clinch the title again in 1962, despite his own injury, and once more in 1970, where he scored four goals overall, including one in the final against Italy. His ability to excel in high-pressure situations solidified his status as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.

Beyond his World Cup successes, Pelé made a profound impact on the sport globally. He was so revered in Brazil that President Jânio Quadros declared him a national treasure, preventing him from transferring to European clubs even amidst lucrative offers. His influence stretched far beyond the field; during the Nigerian Civil War, factions agreed to a ceasefire to watch him play in an exhibition match. Pelé's ability to unite people through soccer demonstrated the sport's potential to transcend geopolitical divides, establishing him not only as a soccer icon but also as a global ambassador for peace and the power of sports as a catalyst for unity.

Later Years and Humanitarian Work

After retiring from professional soccer in 1977, Pelé transitioned into a life of philanthropy and advocacy, maintaining a prominent public profile. He utilized his fame to promote various humanitarian causes, particularly focusing on children's rights and education through his partnership with organizations like UNICEF. In 1978, Pelé was recognized for his impactful work when he received the International Peace Award, highlighting his commitment to using his influence for the greater good. He was not only vocal about the importance of sports in society but also engaged in numerous initiatives aimed at empowering underprivileged youth around the world.

In addition to his work with UNICEF, Pelé served as Brazil's Extraordinary Minister for Sport, where he worked to enhance the country’s sports policies and encourage participation at all levels. His dedication to the environment also saw him appointed as a United Nations ambassador for ecology and the environment, advocating for sustainable practices and raising awareness of ecological issues. Pelé's legacy extends beyond his incredible achievements on the soccer field; his contributions to humanity have left an indelible mark on countless lives, inspiring future generations to see the value of sport as a means for positive change.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Pelé's personal life was as dynamic as his illustrious soccer career. He was first married to Rosemeri dos Santos in 1966, and together they welcomed two daughters, Kelly Cristina and Jennifer. However, their marriage faced challenges and ended in divorce in 1982. Pelé found love again and married Assíria Nascimento in 1994, and the couple had twins, Joshua and Celeste. This blending of family responsibilities with the rigors of his professional obligations illustrated Pelé's commitment to both his career and his loved ones.

Throughout his life, Pelé also maintained relationships that highlighted his charm and charisma. He was known to have dated several women of note, including Brazilian singer Gal Costa and television personality Xuxa Meneghel. Pelé's relationships, both marital and otherwise, drew considerable media attention, reflecting his status as a global icon. Despite the challenges that came with fame, he always expressed a deep love for his family, emphasizing the importance of his children and their futures.

Net Worth and Earning: Salary and Wealth

Pelé, the illustrious soccer legend, amassed a significant fortune throughout his extraordinary career. At the peak of his playing days, he was one of the highest-paid athletes globally, earning millions from his contracts with Santos and the New York Cosmos. Despite spending most of his professional playing career in Brazil, which typically offered lower salaries compared to European clubs, Pelé's appeal and marketability allowed him to command substantial earnings. Forbes estimated his net worth to be around $100 million by the time of his passing, underscoring his status not just as a player, but as a global icon.

In addition to his playing salary, Pelé enjoyed lucrative endorsement deals and business ventures, which contributed significantly to his wealth. He worked with prominent brands such as Coca-Cola and Puma, serving as a brand ambassador for their products. Even after retirement, Pelé maintained his earning power through public appearances, advertisements, and book deals. His status as a cultural icon and humanitarian further boosted his visibility, allowing him to leverage his fame for charitable and commercial endeavors. Pelé's dedication to soccer and humanitarian causes solidified his legacy not only as an athlete but also as a successful businessman.