PELé
Name: Edison Arantes do Nascimento (Pele)
Born: 23 October 1940 Brazil
Edison Arantes do Nascimento, KBE (born October 23, 1940 in Tras Corasµes,
Brazil), best known by his nickname Pele, is a former Brazilian football player,
rated by many as the greatest footballer of all time. He was given the title of
Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee and jointly
received FIFA Player of the Century chosen by officials at the organisation,
shared with Diego Maradona who won the people's vote.
In his native Brazil, Pele is hailed as a national hero. He is known for his
accomplishments and contribution to the game, in addition to being officially
declared the football ambassador of the world by FIFA and a national treasure by
the Brazilian government. He is also acknowledged for his vocal support of
policies to improve the social conditions of the poor (when he scored his 1,000th
goal he dedicated it to the poor children of Brazil). During his career, he
became known as "The King of Football" (O Rei do Futebol), "The King Pele" (O
Rey Pele) or simply "The King" (O Rey). He is also a member of the American
National Soccer Hall of Fame.
Spotted by football star Waldemar de Brito, Pele began playing for Santos
Futebol Clube at just 15 and his national team at 16, and won his first World
Cup at 17. Despite numerous offers from European clubs, the then economic
conditions and the Brazilian Football regulations benefited Santos FC, thus
enabling them to keep Pele for almost two decades until his semi-retirement in
1974. Pele played as an inside forward, striker, and what later became known as
the playmaker position. Pele's technique and natural athleticism have been
universally praised; he was renowned for his unstoppable dribbling and visionary
passing, as well as his pace, powerful shot, and an exceptional heading ability,
but above all he was an exceptionally prolific goalscorer.
He is the all-time top scorer in the history of the Brazil national team and is
the only footballer to be a part of three World Cup-winning teams. It should be
noted that though he was named part of the 1962 squad, he was injured and did ?
not receive a winner's medal. During November 2007, FIFA announced that he would
however be awarded the 1962 medal, making him the only player in the world to
have 3 World Cup gold medals.
Since his full retirement in 1977 Pele has been an ambassador for football and
has also undertaken various acting roles and commercial ventures.
Name: Edison Arantes do Nascimento (Pele)
Born: 23 October 1940 Brazil
Edison Arantes do Nascimento, KBE (born October 23, 1940 in Tras Corasµes,
Brazil), best known by his nickname Pele, is a former Brazilian football player,
rated by many as the greatest footballer of all time. He was given the title of
Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee and jointly
received FIFA Player of the Century chosen by officials at the organisation,
shared with Diego Maradona who won the people's vote.
In his native Brazil, Pele is hailed as a national hero. He is known for his
accomplishments and contribution to the game, in addition to being officially
declared the football ambassador of the world by FIFA and a national treasure by
the Brazilian government. He is also acknowledged for his vocal support of
policies to improve the social conditions of the poor (when he scored his 1,000th
goal he dedicated it to the poor children of Brazil). During his career, he
became known as "The King of Football" (O Rei do Futebol), "The King Pele" (O
Rey Pele) or simply "The King" (O Rey). He is also a member of the American
National Soccer Hall of Fame.
Spotted by football star Waldemar de Brito, Pele began playing for Santos
Futebol Clube at just 15 and his national team at 16, and won his first World
Cup at 17. Despite numerous offers from European clubs, the then economic
conditions and the Brazilian Football regulations benefited Santos FC, thus
enabling them to keep Pele for almost two decades until his semi-retirement in
1974. Pele played as an inside forward, striker, and what later became known as
the playmaker position. Pele's technique and natural athleticism have been
universally praised; he was renowned for his unstoppable dribbling and visionary
passing, as well as his pace, powerful shot, and an exceptional heading ability,
but above all he was an exceptionally prolific goalscorer.
He is the all-time top scorer in the history of the Brazil national team and is
the only footballer to be a part of three World Cup-winning teams. It should be
noted that though he was named part of the 1962 squad, he was injured and did ?
not receive a winner's medal. During November 2007, FIFA announced that he would
however be awarded the 1962 medal, making him the only player in the world to
have 3 World Cup gold medals.
Since his full retirement in 1977 Pele has been an ambassador for football and
has also undertaken various acting roles and commercial ventures.