Famous Brazilian football player Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known by his moniker Pele, is recognised as one of the most prosperous and well-liked sportsmen in history.
He became an even more respected figure in the sports world when the International Olympic Committee named him Athlete of the Century in 1999.
Pelé was also Recognised by being listed among the 100 most significant people of the 20th century by Time magazine.
He was further honoured the next year when he was awarded World Player of the Century by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) and shared the FIFA Player of the Century title with another player.
Pelé’s remarkable record of 1,279 goals scored in 1,363 games—including friendlies—has won him a spot in football history as one of the game’s best players.
Pelé Early Life
Pelé’s parents planned to omit the letter “i” from his name when he was born and call him “Edson.” But his birth certificate mistranslated his name as “Edison.”
His family still called him “Edson” in spite of this. His childhood nickname in his family was “Dico.”
His favourite player, Bilé, a goalkeeper for Vasco da Gama, was allegedly mispronounced, leading to him gaining the well-known moniker “Pelé” during his school years.
It’s interesting to note that Pelé disclosed in his memoirs that neither he nor his pals understood the significance of the nickname in Portuguese.
He was raised alongside his two siblings, Maria Lúcia Nascimento and Zoca. Dondinho, Pelé’s father, was his first coach and a professional football player.
Pelé Education
Pele was not able to go to school because of his low income as a child.
Rather, he had to work from an early age in order to provide for his family, which meant that playing soccer took precedence over going to school.
Pele’s natural skill and love for the game allowed him to overcome his upbringing and become one of the greatest football players of all time, even though he had no formal schooling.
His commitment to hard work and innate talent played a pivotal role in moulding his career and securing his place in Brazilian football history.
Personal Life
The renowned Brazilian football player Pelé has experienced turbulent personal circumstances. With his first wife, Rosemeri Cholbi, whom he divorced in 1982, he had one son, Edson (“Edinho”).
Edinho was found guilty of money laundering in connection with cocaine trafficking in 2014 and given a 33-year prison term; however, the sentence was subsequently lowered to 12 years and 10 months after an appeal.
Pelé began her high-profile romance with TV hostess Xuxa when she was barely 17 years old, and they lasted until 1986.
Assíria Lemos Seixas, a gospel singer and psychologist whom Pelé married in 1994, gave birth to twins Joshua and Celeste in September 1996 after undergoing fertility procedures. Sadly, the pair parted ways in 2008.
After Anizia Machado, a housemaid, and Pelé had an affair in 1964, Sandra Machado battled for years to be recognized by Pelé as his daughter.
Pelé first refused to participate in DNA testing, but once their relationship was verified by a court-mandated test, he finally gave up.
Regretfully, Sandra’s disease claimed her life in 2006. Unexpectedly, at the age of 73, Pelé revealed his intention to wed Marcia Aoki, a Brazilian-Japanese importer of medical supplies from Penápolis, São Paulo, who is 41 years old.
The pair originally met in the middle of the 1980s in New York and reconnected in 2008. They have been dating since 2010. In July 2016, they exchanged vows.
Career
Pelé’s remarkable achievements at the club and international levels have earned him a legendary status in the football world.
From 1956 to 1974, he played with Santos FC in Brazil for the most of his career, where he enjoyed great success.
At Santos, he won multiple Campeonato Paulista championships as well as the coveted Copa Libertadores twice.
Pelé scored an astounding 643 goals to become Santos’ all-time greatest scorer. He briefly played for the New York Cosmos from 1975 to 1977 after leaving Santos, and then he retired from professional football.
From 1957 until 1971, the Brazilian football player was a vital member of the national squad. In 1958, 1962, and 1970, he became the only player in history to win three FIFA World Cups.
In 1958, at the age of just 17, Pelé created history by becoming the youngest player to score in a World Cup final.
Because of his outstanding performance in the 1958 World Cup, he was dubbed “O Rei” (The King).
Before Neymar overtook him, he had an incredible record of 77 goals in 92 games for Brazil, making him the team’s highest scorer for more than 50 years.
Pelé’s career was defined by numerous titles, amazing goals, and extraordinary achievements, confirming his place as one of the best footballers ever.
Net Worth
The great Brazilian football player Pelé accumulated a large wealth during his career; at the time of his death, his net worth was estimated to be around $100 million.
He became one of the wealthiest athletes in history as a result of his on-and off-field achievements, cemented his place as a worldwide sports hero.
Pelé came from modest beginnings, but his brilliance and hard work brought him financial success and ensured that his legacy would last for many decades.
Awards and nominations
World Cups: The only player to win the FIFA World Cup three times is Pelé (1958, 1962, and 1970). He is known as the “King of World Cups.” At the age of 17, he became the youngest player to win a World Cup in 1958.
Player of the Century: Twofold honours: In 2000, the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) selected Pelé as the World Player of the Century. In 1999, he was a joint winner of the FIFA Player of the Century award.
Top Scorer in the Copa America (1959)
FIFA The 2014 Ballon d’Or Prix d’Honneur a tribute honoring his commitment to football
Based on analysis by France Football, he could have won a record seven Ballon d’Or awards if it had been available when he was playing (beginning in 1956).
Guinness World Record:
Holds the record for the most goals scored in a career (1,279 in 1,363 games), albeit friendlies are included.
Social Media
- Facebook handle: Pele
- Instagram handle: @pele
- Twitter handle: @pele
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