Pele
Pele
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Edson Arantes do Nascimento is widely known as Pelé, a name that has become synonymous with greatness on the soccer field.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: October 23, 1940, in Três Corações, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Still alive, with no reported passing date
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Nationality: Brazilian
Profession: Soccer player (retired) and philanthropist
Early Life and Background
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Pelé was born into a poor family in the small town of Três Corações. His father, Dondinho, was a soccer player who played for local clubs but struggled with addiction. Despite his own father's difficulties, Pelé developed a passion for soccer from an early age and began playing with makeshift balls made from rags and string.
Growing up, Pelé faced many challenges. He dropped out of school in the fifth grade to focus on his soccer career, and he often had to rely on his friends' families for support. However, his talent and dedication eventually earned him a spot at the famous Santos FC youth academy, where he trained alongside other future Brazilian greats.
Major Accomplishments
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Pelé's impressive resume is filled with achievements that have cemented his status as one of the greatest soccer players of all time:
Three-time World Cup winner (1958, 1962, and 1970) with Brazil
Two-time Copa Libertadores champion with Santos FC
Record-breaking goal-scorer for both club and country, with over 1,000 goals in his careerNotable Works or Actions
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In addition to his on-field accomplishments, Pelé has also made a lasting impact through his philanthropic efforts:
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, working tirelessly to support children's welfare programs worldwide
* Founding member of the New York Cosmos, helping to popularize soccer in the United States during the 1970s
Impact and Legacy
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Pelé's influence on soccer extends far beyond his playing career. He has inspired generations of players, from Brazilian legends like Garrincha and Jairzinho to global superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
His commitment to social causes has also left a lasting legacy. Pelé's work with UNICEF has helped raise awareness about critical issues affecting children worldwide, from poverty and inequality to education and healthcare.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Pelé's quotes and statements are often sought after by media outlets due to their insight into the world of soccer and beyond. His words offer a glimpse into his experiences, values, and perspectives on various aspects of life, from sportsmanship to philanthropy.
Moreover, Pelé's enduring popularity is a testament to his remarkable career and its lasting impact on the sport he loves. As one of the greatest soccer players in history, he continues to be an inspiration to fans worldwide.
Quotes by Pele
Pele's insights on:
I don't believe there is such a thing as a 'born' soccer player. Perhaps you are born with certain skills and talents, but quite frankly it seems impossible to me that one is actually born to be an ace soccer player.
I am constantly being asked about individuals. The only way to win is as a team. Football is not about one or two or three star players.
The World Cup is a very complicated tournament – six games, seven if you make it to the final – and maybe if you lose one game you’re out, even if you’re the best.
It was with a homosexual, I was barely 14 years old. But let’s be fair, I wasn’t the only one who did it. He was a man in Bauru that all our team visited.
We’re not great friends, but I admire him. If he thinks he’s the best player of the century, that’s his problem.
When I was playing, they said soccer was a man’s world and women should remain on the sidelines, all I can say is I’m glad I never had to go up against Mia Hamm.
When you play against dirty players or very tough players, it’s easy to escape because you know what they’re going to do. But when the player is tough but intelligent, it’s much more difficult.
People always ask me: ‘When is the new Pele going to be born?’ Never. My father and mother have closed the factory.
The biggest family in the world is football, because football has more associate – and FIFA, for example – has more associates than UNESCO.
I sometimes lie awake at night and wonder why I am still so popular and, to be honest, I don’t know.