Edson Arantes do Nascimento

Born:

October 23, 1940, Três Corações, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Died:

December 29, 2022, São Paulo, Brazil

Nationality:

Brazilian

Profession(s):

Footballer (Forward), Actor, Philanthropist

Early Life and Education

• Born into poverty, his father, João Ramos do Nascimento (Dondinho), was also a footballer.
• Learned to play football barefoot, using a sock stuffed with newspaper as a ball.
• Began playing organized football at a young age, quickly demonstrating exceptional talent.

Career and Major Achievements

• Joined Santos FC in 1956 at the age of 15.
• Made his debut for the Brazil national team in 1957 at age 16.
• Won three FIFA World Cups: 1958, 1962, and 1970. He is the only player to achieve this.
• Played for Santos FC (1956-1974), scoring a reported 643 goals in 659 official games.
• Played for the New York Cosmos (1975-1977), helping to popularize soccer in the United States.
• Named FIFA Player of the Century in 2000 (shared with Diego Maradona).
• Scored over 1,000 career goals, although the exact number is debated.

Notable Works

• Authored several autobiographies and books on football.
• Appeared in several films and television shows, often as himself.
• "Pelé" (1977) - A documentary about his career.
• "Escape to Victory" (1981) - A film where he portrayed a Trinidadian player in a German POW camp.
• He explored numerous avenues for recreation gol pele biography world wide exposure.

Legacy and Impact

Pelé is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. His skill, athleticism, and charisma made him a global icon and inspired generations of players. His achievements on the field, particularly winning three World Cups, cemented his place in football history. Beyond the game, he was also known for his humanitarian work and promotion of sportsmanship.

Awards and Recognition

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