Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known as Pelé, was widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time. He was one of the most successful and popular athletes in history, with a career that spanned two decades and brought him unimaginable fame, wealth, and accolades.
Pele Career Highlights
Pelé began his professional career at the age of 15 with Santos Futebol Clube in 1956. He quickly rose to stardom, becoming the youngest player ever to score a goal in the Brazilian first division at just 16 years old. By the time he was 17, Pelé had already become Santos’ star player, leading them to eight championships and five cups over his eleven-year tenure with the team.
Youngest Debut?
In 1958, Pelé made his World Cup debut with the Brazilian national team at just 17 years old, becoming the youngest player ever to appear at a World Cup tournament. He was instrumental in helping Brazil win its first-ever title, scoring six goals and being named the tournament’s best young player.
At age 21, Pelé moved to Europe to play for Italian club A.C. Milan, where he continued to dominate on the pitch with his extraordinary skills and tactical awareness. After two successful seasons there, he returned home in 1974 and played for Santos once again until retiring in 1977 as one of football’s most beloved stars and an international symbol of excellence.
Career Insights of Pele
Throughout his career, Pelé scored an estimated 1,283 goals in 1,363 matches. He was the first three-time winner of the FIFA Player of the Year award, and in 1999 he was proclaimed “Athlete of the Century” by the International Olympic Committee. In total, Pelé won three World Cup titles, two Copa Libertadores championships, and numerous other individual awards.
Today, Pelé is remembered fondly as one of history’s greatest athletes and a true symbol of excellence in football. His legacy continues to inspire players around the world to strive for greatness on the pitch and off. He has been honored with countless film credits, books, awards, statues, special appearances—all celebrating his remarkable career and immense contribution to football worldwide.
How did Pele Die? Reason of Death
On December 29th, 2022, the world of football and the entire sports community was plunged into mourning following the death of Brazilian football legend, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known to the world as Pele.
The 82-year-old had been battling with health issues for some time, having undergone surgery to remove a tumour from his colon in December 2021. He was admitted to hospital in Sao Paulo earlier this month due to poor health and passed away peacefully surrounded by family members.
Throughout his lifetime, Pele was widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time and was an inspiration to generations of players around the world. His career spanned two decades and brought him tremendous fame, wealth, and accolades. He is remembered fondly as one of history’s greatest athletes and an international symbol of excellence in football.
Pele enjoyed an illustrious career that saw him win three World Cup titles with Brazil (1958, 1962, 1970), two Copa Libertadores championships with Santos FC (1962, 1963) and numerous individual awards including being named FIFA Player of the Year three times. He also holds the record for most goals scored in a single calendar year (75 goals in 1958).
