How Pelé became the greatest footballer of all time

Born in poverty, raised with a dream

Born in poverty, raised with a dream, Teen prodigy on the world stage, Club dominance with Santos, Remaking football’s global image, Numbers speak volumes, Brazil’s eternal number 10, Ambassador beyond the pitch, A role model for black athletes

Pelé was born Edson Arantes do Nascimento in Três Corações, Brazil, in 1940. The family struggled financially and Pele started work aged nine, shining shoes. He learned to play football using a sock stuffed with newspaper, unable to afford a real ball. With source material from FIFA, BBC Sport and the Guardian, this is his story. 

Teen prodigy on the world stage

Born in poverty, raised with a dream, Teen prodigy on the world stage, Club dominance with Santos, Remaking football’s global image, Numbers speak volumes, Brazil’s eternal number 10, Ambassador beyond the pitch, A role model for black athletes

At just 17, Pelé scored six goals at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, including two in the final. Brazil won their first title, and a global star was born.

Club dominance with Santos

Born in poverty, raised with a dream, Teen prodigy on the world stage, Club dominance with Santos, Remaking football’s global image, Numbers speak volumes, Brazil’s eternal number 10, Ambassador beyond the pitch, A role model for black athletes

With Santos FC, Pelé won at least 22 official titles, including two Copa Libertadores. He scored 643 official goals for the club, making him their all-time top scorer by a wide margin.

Remaking football’s global image

Born in poverty, raised with a dream, Teen prodigy on the world stage, Club dominance with Santos, Remaking football’s global image, Numbers speak volumes, Brazil’s eternal number 10, Ambassador beyond the pitch, A role model for black athletes

Pelé's charisma, flair, and sportsmanship helped elevate football's image internationally, especially in the US, where he joined the New York Cosmos in 1975 to growing fanfare.

Numbers speak volumes

Born in poverty, raised with a dream, Teen prodigy on the world stage, Club dominance with Santos, Remaking football’s global image, Numbers speak volumes, Brazil’s eternal number 10, Ambassador beyond the pitch, A role model for black athletes

FIFA credits Pelé with 1,281 goals in 1,363 matches, a staggering tally. While some were unofficial, his 757 recognized goals remain among the highest in football history.

Brazil’s eternal number 10

Born in poverty, raised with a dream, Teen prodigy on the world stage, Club dominance with Santos, Remaking football’s global image, Numbers speak volumes, Brazil’s eternal number 10, Ambassador beyond the pitch, A role model for black athletes

Pelé wore the number 10 jersey like a crown. His unique style, fluid, inventive, and clinical, was a benchmark for what a playmaker and striker could be.

Ambassador beyond the pitch

Born in poverty, raised with a dream, Teen prodigy on the world stage, Club dominance with Santos, Remaking football’s global image, Numbers speak volumes, Brazil’s eternal number 10, Ambassador beyond the pitch, A role model for black athletes

After retiring, Pelé became a UN ambassador and Brazil's Minister of Sports. He advocated for children's rights and used his fame to push for social change.

A role model for black athletes

Born in poverty, raised with a dream, Teen prodigy on the world stage, Club dominance with Santos, Remaking football’s global image, Numbers speak volumes, Brazil’s eternal number 10, Ambassador beyond the pitch, A role model for black athletes

In a racially divided world, Pelé stood as a proud symbol of black excellence. He broke barriers with grace and inspired millions across continents and cultures.

Post Related