Early Life and Background
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known worldwide as Pelé, was born on October 23, 1940, in Três Corações, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Raised in a poor family, Pelé’s father, João Ramos do Nascimento (known as Dondinho), was a footballer whose career was hampered by injury. Pelé’s mother, Celeste Arantes, was a homemaker. From a young age, Pelé demonstrated a remarkable talent for football, often playing with a makeshift ball made of socks stuffed with paper.
Football Career
Early Career
Pelé began playing for local youth teams and was discovered by former Brazilian international Waldemar de Brito, who brought him to Santos FC. He joined Santos at the age of 15 and made his senior team debut on September 7, 1956, scoring a goal in a 7-1 victory against Corinthians Santo André.
Rise to Stardom
Pelé’s rise to stardom was meteoric. He became a first-team regular at Santos and quickly established himself as a prolific goal-scorer. By the age of 16, he was the top scorer in the Brazilian league.
International Success
Pelé made his debut for the Brazilian national team on July 7, 1957, against Argentina, scoring a goal in a 2-1 defeat. His international breakthrough came during the 1958 FIFA World Cup in Sweden, where, at just 17 years old, he dazzled the world with his skill and scored six goals, including a hat-trick in the semi-final against France and two goals in the final against Sweden. Brazil won the World Cup, and Pelé became a global sensation.
Notable Achievements and Records
- World Cup Triumphs:
- 1958 World Cup: Pelé helped Brazil secure their first World Cup title, scoring six goals in the tournament.
- 1962 World Cup: Although he was injured early in the tournament, Brazil retained the title.
- 1970 World Cup: Pelé led Brazil to their third World Cup victory, scoring four goals and being named Player of the Tournament.
- Club Success:
- Pelé won numerous titles with Santos FC, including two Copa Libertadores (1962, 1963) and two Intercontinental Cups (1962, 1963).
- He scored over 1,000 goals in his professional career, a milestone he achieved on November 19, 1969.
- Individual Awards and Honors:
- FIFA World Cup Golden Ball (1970).
- FIFA Player of the Century (2000, jointly with Diego Maradona).
- FIFA Order of Merit.
- Ballon d’Or Prix d’Honneur (2014).
- Inducted into the Brazilian Football Museum Hall of Fame.
- Included in Time magazine’s list of 100 most important people of the 20th century.
Personal Life
Family
Pelé married three times. His first marriage was to Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi in 1966, with whom he had three children: daughters Kely Cristina and Jennifer, and son Edson (“Edinho”). The couple divorced in 1982. Pelé’s second marriage was to Assíria Lemos Seixas in 1994, and they had twins, Joshua and Celeste, before divorcing in 2008. He married Marcia Aoki in 2016.
Interests and Activities
Beyond football, Pelé was involved in various philanthropic activities, promoting education and health for underprivileged children. He also served as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and worked on various humanitarian projects.
Controversies
Pelé’s career and personal life were not without controversies. Some notable controversies include:
- Financial Issues: Pelé faced financial difficulties and lawsuits over business deals and endorsements that went wrong.
- Political Ties: His perceived closeness to the Brazilian military dictatorship (1964-1985) led to criticism, with some accusing him of not speaking out against the regime’s abuses.
- Family Disputes: Pelé had several public disputes with his children, particularly his son Edinho, who faced legal issues, including a conviction for money laundering and drug trafficking.
Legacy
Pelé’s legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time is indisputable. His incredible talent, sportsmanship, and contributions to the game have left an indelible mark on football history. He is celebrated not only for his remarkable achievements on the field but also for his role as a global ambassador for the sport, inspiring generations of players and fans worldwide.
