# Pelé

> Brazilian footballer (1940–2022)

**Wikidata**: [Q12897](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12897)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelé)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pele

## Summary

Pelé, born Edson Arantes do Nascimento on October 23, 1940, in Três Corações, was a Brazilian citizen [1][2][3][4][5][6]. He worked as an association football player, politician, film actor, and actor [5][7]. His father was Dondinho . He played in the fields of association football and professional sport [8].He served as the Minister of Sports of Brazil from 1995 to 1998 . His employers included the United Nations . He received numerous awards, including the Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire, the Order of Rio Branco, and the title of honorary citizen of Baltimore . Other honors included being named a Distinguished Guest of Mexico City, receiving the Llaves de la Ciudad de Mexico, and being named BBC World Sport Star of the Year .Pelé was married to Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi from 1966 to 1982, Assíria Nascimento from 1994 to 2008, and Marcia Aoki from 2016 to 2022 [9][10]. He had two children: Edson Cholbi Nascimento and Sandra Regina Machado . He died on December 29, 2022, in Morumbi due to colorectal cancer [11][12][13][14][14].

## Summary
Pelé, born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, was a Brazilian footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. He won three FIFA World Cups with Brazil (1958, 1962, 1970) and became the youngest player to score in a World Cup final at age 17. His legacy extends beyond the pitch, as he influenced global football culture and served as a symbol of excellence and sportsmanship.

## Biography
- Born: October 23, 1940, in Três Corações, Brazil
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Education: Not formally documented in provided sources
- Known for: Being a legendary association football player and global ambassador for the sport
- Employer(s): Santos FC (primary club), Brazil national team, New York Cosmos
- Field(s): Association football, sports ambassadorship, entertainment

## Contributions
Pelé's contributions span his legendary playing career, post-retirement roles, and cultural influence:
- **Club Career**: Played for Santos FC from 1956 to 1974, winning numerous titles including two Copa Libertadores (1962, 1963) and two Intercontinental Cups (1962, 1963).
- **National Team**: Represented Brazil from 1957 to 1971, scoring over 77 goals in 92 official matches. He led Brazil to three FIFA World Cup victories (1958, 1962, 1970), becoming the only player to win three World Cups.
- **Professional Career in the U.S.**: Played for the New York Cosmos from 1975 to 1977, helping to popularize football in the United States.
- **Cultural Impact**: Inspired the creation of the Estádio Rei Pelé in Maceió, Brazil, which opened in 1970 and was named in his honor.
- **Media and Entertainment**: 
  - Starred in the 2014 film *Pelé: Birth of a Legend* and the 2021 film *Pelé*.
  - Lended his name to the 1980 video game *Pelé's Soccer*.
- **Honors and Recognition**: 
  - Declared FIFA Player of the Century in 2000.
  - Received the FIFA Order of Merit, the highest honor awarded by FIFA.
  - Honored with the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award.

## FAQs
### What is Pelé most famous for?
Pelé is most famous for being a legendary footballer who won three FIFA World Cups with Brazil, a feat unmatched by any other player. He is also celebrated for his global influence on football and his role in elevating the sport's popularity, especially in the United States.

### What teams did Pelé play for?
Pelé played for Santos FC from 1956 to 1974, where he won numerous domestic and international titles. He later played for the New York Cosmos from 1975 to 1977, helping to popularize football in the U.S.

### What awards did Pelé receive?
Pelé received numerous awards, including the FIFA Player of the Century, the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award, and the FIFA Order of Merit. He was also honored with the title of honorary citizen of Baltimore and received the BBC World Sport Star of the Year award.

### What films or media projects was Pelé involved in?
Pelé starred in the 2014 biographical film *Pelé: Birth of a Legend* and the 2021 film *Pelé*. He also inspired the 1980 video game *Pelé's Soccer* and was featured in documentaries and tributes throughout his career.

### What is the significance of the Estádio Rei Pelé?
The Estádio Rei Pelé, located in Maceió, Brazil, was named in honor of Pelé and opened in 1970. It serves as a multi-purpose stadium and stands as a tribute to his influence on Brazilian football.

## Why They Matter
Pelé's impact on football and global sports culture is unparalleled. He transformed the game through his skill, charisma, and leadership, helping to elevate football to a global phenomenon. His influence extended beyond the pitch, shaping how athletes are perceived and celebrated internationally. His legacy continues to inspire players, fans, and organizations worldwide.

## Notable For
- Winning three FIFA World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970), a record unmatched by any other player
- Scoring over 1,000 career goals, including 77 in 92 official matches for Brazil
- Being named FIFA Player of the Century in 2000
- Playing a pivotal role in popularizing football in the United States with the New York Cosmos
- Receiving the highest honors in football, including the FIFA Order of Merit and Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award
- Being honored with the title of honorary citizen of Baltimore and receiving the keys to Mexico City
- Inspiring the naming of the Estádio Rei Pelé in Maceió, Brazil
- Appearing in films such as *Pelé: Birth of a Legend* (2014) and *Pelé* (2021)
- Being recognized as one of the Ballon d'Or Dream Team members in 2020

## Body
### Early Life and Career
Pelé, born Edson Arantes do Nascimento on October 23, 1940, in Três Corações, Brazil, began his football journey at a young age. He joined Santos FC in 1956, where he quickly rose to prominence. By 1958, at just 17 years old, he was part of Brazil's World Cup-winning squad, scoring in the final against Sweden. This made him the youngest player to score in a World Cup final, a record that still stands.

### Club Career
Pelé spent the majority of his career at Santos FC, where he won two Copa Libertadores titles (1962, 1963) and two Intercontinental Cups (1962, 1963). His performances helped establish Santos as one of the most successful clubs in South America. He remained loyal to Santos throughout his club career, becoming a global icon and symbol of excellence.

### International Career
Pelé represented Brazil from 1957 to 1971, scoring 77 goals in 92 official matches. He played a pivotal role in Brazil's three World Cup victories (1958, 1962, 1970), making him the only player to win the tournament three times. His leadership and skill were instrumental in Brazil's success, and he became a global ambassador for the sport.

### U.S. Career and Global Influence
In 1975, Pelé joined the New York Cosmos, helping to popularize football in the United States. His presence attracted international attention and significantly boosted the North American Soccer League (NASL). He retired from professional football in 1977 after a farewell match at the Estádio do Maracanã, where he received the keys to the stadium.

### Awards and Recognition
Pelé received numerous honors throughout his career, including:
- FIFA Player of the Century (2000)
- Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award
- FIFA Order of Merit
- Honorary citizenship of Baltimore
- Keys to Mexico City
- BBC World Sport Star of the Year

### Media and Cultural Impact
Pelé's influence extended into media and entertainment. He starred in the 2014 biographical film *Pelé: Birth of a Legend* and the 2021 film *Pelé*. He also inspired the 1980 video game *Pelé's Soccer*, which helped introduce football to a broader audience. His name is synonymous with excellence, and his legacy continues to inspire players and fans worldwide.

### Legacy and Honors
Pelé's legacy is celebrated through various honors, including the naming of the Estádio Rei Pelé in Maceió, Brazil. He was also recognized as a member of the Ballon d'Or Dream Team in 2020, highlighting his status as one of football's greatest legends. His contributions to the sport and global culture remain unparalleled, and his influence continues to resonate decades after his retirement.

### Personal Life and Death
Pelé passed away on December 29, 2022, at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy that transcends football. His impact on the sport and global culture remains unmatched, and he is remembered as a symbol of excellence, leadership, and inspiration.

## References

1. Great Russian Encyclopedia
2. [Source](https://g1.globo.com/saude/noticia/2022/12/29/pele-entenda-o-que-e-o-cancer-de-colon-doenca-que-o-ex-jogador-tinha.ghtml)
3. [Source](https://www.metropoles.com/esportes/futebol/hospital-albert-einstein-oficializa-causa-da-morte-de-pele)
4. [Source](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/12/29/brazilian-football-legend-pele-dies-aged-82)
5. Integrated Authority File
6. [Source](https://caras.uol.com.br/arquivo/pele-e-assiria-separacao-apos-14-anos.phtml)
7. [Source](https://esportes.yahoo.com/noticias/pele-e-seus-conjuges-quem-foram-os-amores-do-astro-do-futebol-192732301.html)
8. datos.bne.es
9. nasljerseys.com
10. [Source](https://www.fifa.com/es/news/los-records-que-podrian-batirse-en-2020-3063978)
11. [Source](https://www.santosfc.com.br/pele/)
12. Czech National Authority Database
13. Argentine Soccer Database
14. [Source](https://esportes.r7.com/especiais/pele-nasceu-edison-com-i-em-certidao-que-tentou-corrigir-grafia-29062022)
15. Olympedia
16. [Source](https://www.julienslive.com/lot-details/index/catalog/178/lot/76662)
17. [Source](https://www.gov.br/palmares/pt-br/departamentos/fomento-a-cultura/personalidades-notaveis-negras-1)
18. International Standard Name Identifier
19. Virtual International Authority File
20. CiNii Research
21. kicker.de
22. MusicBrainz
23. [Source](https://www.torcedores.com/noticias/2020/04/rivellino-conversa-curiosa-pele-canhoto)
24. [Source](https://www.correio24horas.com.br/noticia/nid/mapa-mundi-pele-teria-gostado-de-ser-canhoto-diz-maradona-em-encontro-com-rivelino/)
25. Transfermarkt
26. filmportal.de
27. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
28. [VG](https://www.vg.no/sport/fotball/i/2BVOwB/fotballegenden-pele-er-doed)
29. [Meghalt Pelé, a Fekete Gyöngyszem](https://hvg.hu/kultura/20221227_pele_nekrolog)
30. [Source](https://www.uol.com.br/esporte/futebol/ultimas-noticias/2022/12/29/morre-pele-o-maior-jogador-da-historia.htm)
31. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
32. UEFA.com
33. CONOR.SI
34. YouTube
35. [Source](https://www.uol.com.br/esporte/futebol/ultimas-noticias/2022/12/30/por-que-xuxa-chamou-pele-de-dico-ao-prestar-homenagem-ao-rei-do-futebol.htm)
36. BBC Things
37. [Source](https://www.folhape.com.br/esportes/pele-e-a-mistica-da-camisa-10/252060/)
38. [Source](https://ge.globo.com/pele/noticia/2022/12/29/familia-de-pele-pedira-ao-santos-que-aposente-a-camisa-10.ghtml)
39. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
40. The Movie Database
41. LIBRIS. 2012
42. Regional Database of the Central Bohemian Research Library in Kladno
43. [ITV News : The Latest Pele News](https://www.itv.com/news/topic/pele)