Edson Arantes do Nascimento
- Born:
- October 23, 1940, Três Corações, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Died:
- December 29, 2022, São Paulo, Brazil
- Nationality:
- Brazilian
- Profession(s):
- Professional Footballer (Striker), Actor
Early Life and Education
- Born to Celeste Arantes and João Ramos do Nascimento (Dondinho), also a footballer.
- Developed his football skills playing on the streets of Bauru, São Paulo.
- Early clubs included Bauru Athletic Club juniors.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his professional career with Santos FC in 1956.
- Played for Santos FC (1956-1974), scoring over 600 goals.
- Played for New York Cosmos (1975-1977), contributing to the growth of soccer in the United States.
- Represented Brazil in four FIFA World Cups: 1958, 1962, 1966, and 1970.
- Won three FIFA World Cups: 1958 (Sweden), 1962 (Chile), and 1970 (Mexico).
- Remains the only player to have won three FIFA World Cups.
- Officially scored 1,281 goals in 1,363 games, a record recognized by FIFA.
Notable Works
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Escape to Victory | Corporal Luis Fernandez | Film |
| 1977 | Pelé | Himself | Documentary |
| 1983 | A Minor Miracle | Himself | Film |
Legacy and Impact
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, widely known as Pelé, is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time. Often, discussions about the greatest footballer include the paelay pele biography and how his achievements stand the test of time. His influence extended beyond the field, making him a global icon and a symbol of Brazilian national pride. His accomplishments, records, and charitable work have left a lasting legacy on the sport and the world.