Pelé, or Edson Arantes do Nascimento, is a former professional soccer player from Brazil. He is widely regarded as one of the best soccer players ever. After beginning his professional career in 1956 with Santos FC, Pelé represented Brazil in four World Cups, winning three of them.
Pelé was born in Tres Coracoes, Brazil, on October 23, 1940. He played soccer as a child and began his professional career at Santos FC at the age of 15. He led the club to the Brazilian league title in his first full season, finishing as the league’s top scorer.
CAREER
When Pelé was chosen to play for the Brazilian national team in 1957, he began his career playing for other nations. He participated in Brazil’s victories at the 1958 and 1970 World Cups, as well as the 1958 and 1962, 1966, and 1970 tournaments. Pelé is Brazil’s all-time leading goal scorer, having scored 77 goals in 91 games.
Pelé had a successful club career as well as success with the national team. He spent 18 seasons with Santos FC, where he won numerous domestic and international championships, including the Copa Libertadores and the Intercontinental Cup. In 1998, Pelé was inducted into the Brazilian Football Museum Hall of Fame after retiring from professional soccer in 1977.
Pelé has been involved in a variety of business ventures and has served as a spokesperson for a variety of organizations and products in addition to his playing career in soccer. In addition, he has been recognized for his contributions to soccer and the sport as a whole and has been involved in charitable endeavors.
Pelé continued to be involved in a variety of soccer-related endeavors after retiring from professional soccer. He has worked as a commentator and television host in addition to being a global soccer ambassador. He has also been involved in a number of business ventures, like starting a sportswear line and starting a soccer academy in Brazil.
Philantrophy
Pelé has also been involved in charitable endeavors in addition to his soccer work. He has been a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme and has collaborated with a number of organizations that assist children and the underprivileged.
Achievements
Throughout his career, Pelé has received numerous accolades and awards. He has been honored for his contributions to sports and charitable endeavors in addition to his numerous soccer awards. He was named a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in 1999, and the United States government presented him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994.
In spite of his success on the soccer field, Pelé is probably best known for his contribution to the sport’s global popularity. His ability, sportsmanship, and charm have made him a symbol of soccer and perhaps of the most perceived competitor on the planet.