“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do”
Full Name : Edson Arantes do Nascimento
Born : October23, 1940 in Três Corações, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Nationality : Brazilian
Father : João Ramos do Nascimento (Dondinho)
Mother : Celeste Arantes
Height : 5 ft 8 in
Spouse(s) : Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi (m. 1966–1982), Assíria Lemos Seixas (m. 1994–2008) and Marcia Aoki (m. 2016)
Children : 7
Famous For : Brazilian footballer
Religion : Roman Catholic
Known As : Pérola Negra” (“Black Pearl”)
The greatest footballer of all time, a legend, if you may – that is football icon Pele for you. It comes as no surprise that he was even voted one of the most influential people of all time. His impeccable style with scoring goals and dribbling style to swerve track from the opponent was noteworthy.
Let’s take a look at what makes him a timeless gem:
1. Started it Young :
Pele started his game at the young age of 15. He was signed by Santos and scored a mindblowing four goals in his debut game. By the age of 17, he became the youngest ever player to win a World Cup. Talk about rookie wins!
2. He Got it From His Pappa :
Pele’s father was a Fluminenense footballer nicknamed Dondinho, who is said to have scored five goals in a game. And that is a feat Pele has unfortunately not been able to conquer, with his best being four goals in a game.
3. Pele Day :
His legacy is so huge that there is a national day commemorating his 1000th goal against Vasco Da Gama. It was one of the most anticipated moments in history where Pele scored for Brazil from a penalty kick.
4. The Edison connection :
The football legend’s official name, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, is said to be taken after renowned scientist Thomas Edison, sans the “i” in between. However, he was widely known by his nickname “Pele” more than his actual name.
5. On the Silver Screen :
Pele has acted in a 1981 American movie about prisoners of war being interned at a prison camp. The movie titled “Escape to Victory” was directed by John Huston and saw several lead actors like Sylvestor Stallone, Michael Caine, and several other professional football players.
6. Records, Records, and More Records :
If there is one person who has won three FIFA World Cups and two World cup Championships, it is none other than Pele. He is known to be the biggest goalscorer for Brazil, with 77 goals and 92 games to his credit.
7. Beyond the Playground :
Starting from the heyday of his career, Pele has been known to be involved in social causes and his political stance. He served as Brazil’s Sports Minister from 1995 to 1998 and has also been an ambassador for the UN, for Ecology and Environment.
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