Pelé: The Legend Who Defined Football

Few names in sports evoke as much reverence and admiration as Pelé. Often hailed as the greatest footballer of all time, Pelé transcended the sport, becoming a global icon, ambassador, and symbol of excellence. His impact on football and the world at large is profound, and decades after his final professional game, his influence continues to resonate with new generations of fans. In this article, we explore Pelé’s life, his incredible achievements, and how he changed the game forever.

Early Life and Rise to Stardom

Pelé, born Edson Arantes do Nascimento on October 23, 1940, in Três Corações, Brazil, grew up in modest surroundings. He was named after American inventor Thomas Edison, though his parents omitted the “i” in Edison. His journey to greatness began in the streets, where he played football with homemade balls crafted from socks stuffed with newspapers or rags, a testament to his humble beginnings. His father, João Ramos do Nascimento, better known as Dondinho, was a footballer himself, though not as successful. Nonetheless, Dondinho encouraged young Pelé’s passion for the sport and guided him during his formative years.

By the age of 10, Pelé was already showing signs of extraordinary talent. At 15, he joined Santos FC, where he quickly made a name for himself. His first professional game came in 1956, and by 1957, at just 16 years old, he had earned a place in the Brazilian national team. It was clear from the start that Pelé was a prodigy, a player who possessed an otherworldly combination of speed, agility, and football intelligence that set him apart from his peers.

Pelé’s Brazil: A Golden Era

Pelé’s international debut marked the beginning of an era of dominance for Brazil, and he would become the face of this golden generation. The most notable of Pelé’s achievements came on the world stage, where he helped Brazil win three FIFA World Cup titles in 1958, 1962, and 1970. Pelé’s prowess in these tournaments cemented his reputation as a footballing genius.

1958 World Cup – The Birth of a Global Star

Pelé’s first World Cup in 1958 is where his legend truly began. He was only 17 years old, but he took the tournament by storm, becoming the youngest player to play in a World Cup final. His skill, vision, and poise in front of goal were unprecedented for someone of his age. In the quarterfinals, Pelé scored a hat-trick against France, and in the final against Sweden, he scored two goals, leading Brazil to a 5-2 victory. His performance made him an international sensation, and he returned to Brazil as a national hero.

1962 World Cup – A Champion Once Again

The 1962 World Cup in Chile saw Pelé once again playing a pivotal role, though injury cut his tournament short. Despite his absence after the second game, Brazil still went on to win the tournament, demonstrating the depth and strength of the team. Though Pelé couldn’t fully participate in the victory, his influence was clear, and the team was built around his brilliance.

1970 World Cup – The Pinnacle of Greatness

The 1970 World Cup in Mexico was perhaps Pelé’s finest moment. This tournament showcased Brazil’s most talented squad, often regarded as one of the best teams in football history. Playing alongside stars like Tostão, Rivelino, Jairzinho, and Carlos Alberto, Pelé led the team with grace and dominance. His goal in the final against Italy, a header after a perfectly timed leap, symbolized his athleticism and footballing intelligence. Brazil won the final 4-1, and Pelé became the only player to win three World Cups, solidifying his status as a footballing immortal.

Pelé’s Style of Play: The Complete Footballer

Pelé was more than just a prolific goal scorer; he was a complete footballer. His versatility allowed him to play in multiple positions, though he was primarily an attacking forward. He possessed a unique blend of technical skill, physical prowess, and an extraordinary ability to read the game. His creativity on the ball, vision, and passing accuracy made him a formidable playmaker, while his finishing was second to none.

Technical Skills

Pelé’s dribbling was exquisite, with a fluidity and control that left defenders helpless. He had an uncanny ability to maneuver through tight spaces and execute precise moves at high speed. His famous “dribble da vaca,” or body feint, was one of his signature moves that left opponents off balance. Pelé could glide past defenders effortlessly and execute moves that were ahead of his time.

Football IQ

What truly set Pelé apart was his football intelligence. He had an extraordinary ability to anticipate plays and position himself to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Whether it was making a well-timed run, positioning himself for a header, or finding a teammate with a pinpoint pass, Pelé’s understanding of the game was second to none.

Physical Attributes

Standing at 5’8” (1.73 meters), Pelé wasn’t the tallest player on the pitch, but he had incredible leaping ability and balance. His acceleration and speed were other key elements of his game, making him a nightmare for defenders. He was also deceptively strong, able to hold off challenges while maintaining control of the ball.

Legacy at Santos and New York Cosmos

Pelé’s professional career was defined by his long stint with Santos FC, where he spent 18 years (1956-1974) and scored over 600 goals. Santos was a dominant force in Brazilian football during this period, and Pelé played a central role in their success, helping them win multiple national and international titles. Santos toured the world, spreading the gospel of Pelé and Brazilian football, as they played against top European clubs and national teams in friendly matches. These tours helped Pelé gain global recognition, as millions of fans across continents marveled at his brilliance.

In 1975, Pelé came out of semi-retirement to play for the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League (NASL). His move to the U.S. helped elevate the profile of football (soccer) in a country where it had been largely overshadowed by other sports. Though Pelé was nearing the end of his playing career, his presence in the NASL attracted a new generation of fans to the sport, and he contributed to the development of football in North America. The NASL may have eventually folded, but Pelé’s influence laid the groundwork for the future growth of Major League Soccer (MLS) decades later.

Pelé vs. Modern Footballers: A Timeless Debate

The debate over who the greatest footballer of all time is remains one of the most contentious discussions in sports. Pelé, Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo are often mentioned in this conversation. But Pelé’s legacy endures because of the era in which he played and the challenges he overcame. During Pelé’s time, football was not as commercialized or as glamorous as it is today. He played on often uneven pitches, without the advantages of modern sports science or the protective refereeing that modern stars benefit from.

Moreover, Pelé’s ability to maintain his high standards across nearly two decades of play, combined with his record-breaking achievements on the world stage, adds weight to his claim as the greatest. His 1,283 career goals in 1,363 games is a remarkable statistic, though critics often point out that many of these came in unofficial matches and friendlies. Regardless, his official record of 767 goals in competitive matches is still among the highest in football history.

Life After Football: Pelé the Global Ambassador

After retiring from football, Pelé embraced his role as a global ambassador for the sport. He used his fame and influence to promote various causes, including charity work and international diplomacy. His ability to transcend sports made him an effective goodwill ambassador for organizations such as UNICEF, and he was a frequent speaker at global forums on sports and education.

In 1995, Pelé was appointed as Brazil’s Extraordinary Minister of Sport, where he helped promote the growth of football and sports in general in Brazil. He was instrumental in creating “Pelé’s Law,” which introduced regulations to protect the rights of athletes and prevent clubs from exploiting young talent.

In 1999, Pelé was voted the World Player of the Century by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) and was named Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee. His global recognition and appeal are unrivaled, and he remains one of the most famous and beloved figures in sports history.

Pelé’s Impact on Brazilian Culture and Identity

To understand Pelé’s significance, one must also appreciate his impact on Brazilian culture. In a country where football is more than just a sport, Pelé became a symbol of hope, joy, and national pride. His success on the global stage helped elevate Brazil’s reputation, showcasing the country’s footballing talent and bringing a sense of unity to a nation often divided by social and economic challenges.

Pelé’s rise to stardom coincided with Brazil’s own emergence as a significant player on the global stage, both in football and geopolitically. His triumphs were not only personal but collective, as millions of Brazilians celebrated their identity through his accomplishments. He brought joy to a nation and became a symbol of the “beautiful game” (Jogo Bonito), a style of play that emphasizes flair, creativity, and freedom on the pitch.

Personal Life and Challenges

Despite Pelé’s larger-than-life presence on the football pitch, his personal life was marked by its share of complexities and challenges. Like many global icons, Pelé had to navigate the pressures of fame, familial responsibilities, and the expectations that come with being in the public eye.

Family Life

Pelé was married three times and fathered several children over the years. His first marriage was to Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi in 1966. The couple had three children together—two daughters, Kely and Jennifer, and a son, Edinho. However, Pelé’s relationship with Rosemeri deteriorated, and they eventually divorced in 1982.

His second marriage was to psychologist and gospel singer Assíria Lemos Seixas in 1994. They had two children, twins Joshua and Celeste, but this marriage also ended in divorce in 2008. In 2016, Pelé married his third wife, businesswoman Marcia Aoki. Though their marriage is a much more private affair, it is clear that Marcia has provided support during his later years.

Beyond his marriages, Pelé also acknowledged several extramarital relationships that resulted in children. In 1996, he recognized Sandra Regina, a daughter born from an affair with a housemaid, after a lengthy court battle that began in the early 1990s. Pelé initially denied paternity, but DNA tests confirmed Sandra as his daughter. Unfortunately, she passed away from cancer in 2006, and Pelé’s relationship with her was reportedly distant.

While Pelé was beloved by millions for his contributions to football, the demands of his career, global travels, and numerous commitments took a toll on his ability to maintain consistent relationships with all of his children. His son Edinho, a former goalkeeper, has had a particularly complicated relationship with Pelé, facing legal issues and a well-publicized conviction for drug trafficking and money laundering in 2014. Though Edinho denied the charges, he was sentenced to 33 years in prison, later reduced to 12 years on appeal. Despite these issues, Pelé has remained supportive of his son, and their relationship appears to have strengthened over time.

Health Struggles

In his later years, Pelé faced several health challenges that have required medical intervention. One of the most notable issues was a series of hip surgeries due to complications from arthritis, which has left him reliant on walking aids. These surgeries, combined with other age-related ailments, have limited his mobility and public appearances. However, Pelé remained active in the football community, attending events and providing commentary on modern players, albeit at a reduced capacity.

In addition to hip issues, Pelé has also dealt with kidney problems, having undergone surgery in 2014 to remove kidney stones. In September 2021, Pelé underwent surgery to remove a tumor from his colon. Despite his advancing age and health challenges, Pelé has maintained a positive public image, frequently assuring his fans that he was recovering and in good spirits.

Public Controversies

As with many famous individuals, Pelé’s life was not without controversy. Throughout his career, debates surrounding his goal-scoring record persisted. Pelé claimed to have scored 1,283 goals throughout his career, but critics argue that many of these goals were scored in unofficial matches or friendlies. This dispute has led to questions about whether he truly holds the record for the most goals in football history.

Furthermore, Pelé’s post-playing career was not free of controversy either. In the 1990s, Pelé became embroiled in a public dispute with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) over allegations of corruption. Pelé criticized the organization for its lack of transparency and accused its leaders of mismanagement. In retaliation, the CBF barred him from the draw for the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States, a significant snub for a figure of Pelé’s stature.

Despite these public challenges, Pelé’s reputation as a global ambassador for football remained largely intact. His contributions to charitable causes, such as UNICEF, and his efforts to promote football globally helped balance out the criticisms he faced during his career and retirement.

Struggles with Fame

Pelé’s rise to international superstardom came at a time when global media coverage was expanding, and he had to deal with the intense scrutiny that came with fame. As football’s first true global superstar, he often found himself in the spotlight, which impacted both his personal and professional life.

Managing relationships, dealing with pressure, and maintaining his public image were constant challenges. Pelé frequently spoke about the difficulties of balancing his personal life with his responsibilities as a global icon. He was adored by millions, yet he remained a humble and approachable figure, always mindful of the impact he had on fans and aspiring footballers worldwide.

Fame also brought with it financial pressures. Though Pelé earned significant sums during his career, he was not immune to financial problems. Like many athletes of his era, he did not benefit from the kind of lucrative contracts and sponsorship deals modern athletes enjoy today. This led Pelé to seek additional sources of income post-retirement, including endorsement deals and appearances.

Conclusion: Pelé’s Lasting Legacy

Pelé’s life is a story of greatness, triumph, and overcoming adversity. From his humble beginnings in the streets of Brazil to his global fame, he became more than just a footballer—he became a symbol of excellence, grace, and passion for the sport. His achievements on the pitch, particularly his three World Cup victories, his dazzling style of play, and his goal-scoring records, are still revered as some of the finest in football history.

However, Pelé’s influence extends beyond the realm of football. He was a cultural ambassador who helped to popularize the sport in regions where it previously had little following. His time with the New York Cosmos was instrumental in laying the groundwork for football’s growth in the United States, a legacy that can still be seen in Major League Soccer (MLS) today.

Though he faced personal challenges, including health issues, family complexities, and public controversies, Pelé’s grace and humility continued to define his character. He remained a beloved figure not only in Brazil but across the world, serving as a reminder of what is possible when talent, hard work, and determination come together.

In the end, Pelé’s story is one of inspiration. His legacy will forever be etched in the annals of football history, and his name will remain synonymous with the sport he helped elevate to new heights. Whether you know him as Edson Arantes do Nascimento, the King of Football, or simply Pelé, his impact on the game is immeasurable.

As the world continues to witness the emergence of new footballing talents, Pelé’s legacy stands as a timeless reminder of the beauty of the sport and the possibilities it offers to those who dare to dream.