Celebrating his 85th birthday today is the legendary Pele, remembered by FIFA through stories, accomplishments, highlights, quotes, and statistics.
Born to Dondinho and Celeste, Pele was originally named Edson after Thomas Edison, but received the nickname ‘Pele’ in school due to a mispronunciation. His father, Dondinho, a lower-league footballer, once scored five headers in a single game, a fact that Pele proudly recalls.
Pele’s promise to his father came after witnessing Brazil’s heartbreaking loss in the 1950 World Cup. Determined to win the trophy, he shifted his focus from becoming a pilot to pursuing a career in football.
Waldemar de Brito, a former Brazil striker, discovered Pele’s talent during a trial at Santos and predicted he would become the best player globally. Pele made his first-team debut at 15, leading Santos to numerous titles over 18 years.
Despite interest from top European clubs, Pele was declared a national treasure by the Brazilian government to prevent him from moving abroad. He scored an incredible 127 goals for Santos in 1959 alone.
Wearing the iconic No. 10 jersey, Pele made history as the youngest scorer, hat-trick scorer, final player, and final scorer in World Cup history. He also holds the record for the youngest player to reach 25 goals in international matches.
Teaming up with Garrincha for Brazil, Pele remained undefeated in matches against top teams like England, France, and Argentina. His presence even led to a temporary ceasefire during the Nigerian Civil War.
Pele’s impact extended beyond the field, as showcased by his role in popularizing soccer in New York with the New York Cosmos. He became a VIP in the city’s social scene, attracting a star-studded following.
In addition to his football career, Pele ventured into music, acting, and television, leaving a lasting legacy in various fields. He was revered globally, earning accolades as one of the most famous and influential figures of the century.
Pele’s influence transcended sports, with accolades from fellow athletes and world leaders alike, cementing his status as a true icon in the world of football.