Pelé

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known as Pelé, was born on October 23, 1940, in Três Corações, Brazil. He would later become one of the greatest footballers in history.

In 1952, during his late childhood, Pele improvised his soccer skills by playing with a makeshift ball made of a sock and rags, showcasing his determination and love for the sport.

Santos Soccer Club was founded on November 10, 1955.

Pelé scored his first goal on June 27, 1956.

On July 29, 1956, Pelé made his debut for Santos FC at the age of 15. He had an impressive performance, scoring his first goal in a 7-1 victory.

Pelé was recruited on December 19, 1956.

At the age of 15, Pelé started his professional football career by playing for Santos FC, a renowned Brazilian football club.

Pelé made his first World Cup appearance at the age of 17 in Sweden. He went on to become the youngest player to score in a World Cup final, contributing to Brazil's victory in their first World Cup title.

On June 19, 1958, at the age of 17, Pele made history by becoming the youngest player to participate in a World Cup final. He scored 2 goals in the final match where Brazil defeated Sweden 5-2. This event marked the beginning of Pele's legendary career, and he gained fame for wearing the number 10 shirt.

At the age of 17 years and 234 days, this player represented Brazil in a FIFA World Cup match, setting a record as the youngest player to do so.

In the 1958 FIFA World Cup Final between Brazil and Sweden, this player, aged 17 years and 249 days, became the youngest to score a goal in a World Cup Final.

In the 1958 World Cup held in Sweden, he gained international recognition.

Pele scored a remarkable goal known as 'Gol de Placa' while playing for Santos against Fluminense. The goal was so extraordinary that a plaque was made to commemorate it as the most beautiful goal in soccer history.

During the 1962 World Cup in Chile, Pelé was injured in the second match against Czechoslovakia, which forced him to miss the rest of the tournament.

Santos, known as the balé branco (white ballet), successfully defended their title in the 1963 Copa Libertadores by defeating Botafogo and Boca Juniors. Pelé played a crucial role in the victories, scoring important goals throughout the tournament.

Pelé scored an impressive 60 goals in the 1964 season despite facing teams who altered their play to deal with him.

On November 19, 1969, Pelé achieved a significant milestone by scoring his 1,000th goal in all competitions for Santos. The goal, known as O Milésimo (The Thousandth), was scored from a penalty kick during a match against Vasco da Gama at the Maracanã Stadium.

Conferred with the Knight of the Order of Rio Branco in 1967.

On November 19, 1969, Pelé achieved a significant milestone by scoring his 1,000th goal, a remarkable feat in the world of football.

In the 1970 World Cup final against Italy, Pelé scored the opening goal with a header, which is considered one of the most iconic moments in World Cup history.

On July 21, 1970, Pelé led Brazil to victory in the 1970 World Cup final against Italy with a score of 4-1.

On July 18, 1971, Pele played his final international match against Yugoslavia. This marked the end of an era for one of the greatest footballers in history.

Appointed as Officer of the Order of Ouissam Alaouite of the Kingdom of Morocco in 1976.

On August 28, 1977, Pelé finished his official playing career by leading the New York Cosmos to their second Soccer Bowl title with a 2–1 win over the Seattle Sounders at the Civic Stadium in Portland, Oregon. This victory marked a significant milestone in Pelé's career.

On October 1, 1977, Pelé officially retired from professional football, marking the end of an illustrious career that had a significant impact on the sport.

On October 16, 1977, the individual played his final game and retired from the sport, concluding a career that included scoring 1,281 goals in 1,363 games.

Honored with the FIFA Order as a tribute to his 80 years as a sports institution in 1984.

Awarded the National Order of Merit by the government of Brazil in 1991.

After retiring from football, Pelé became involved in various charitable causes such as poverty reduction, anti-corruption movements, and environmental protection. He also received an honorary knighthood, served as the Minister of Sport in Brazil, and became a UNICEF Goodwill ambassador. Additionally, he continued to promote football globally, participating in FIFA events and Olympic ceremonies. Pelé is also credited with popularizing the phrase 'the beautiful game.'

Elected as the Football Player of the Century by France Football's Ballon d'Or Winners in 1999.

On December 11, 2000, Pelé was named one of the joint winners of the FIFA Player of the Century award along with Diego Maradona.

Included in the FIFA 100 Greatest Living Footballers list in 2004.

On July 18, 2005, Pelé made his final appearance at Maracanã Stadium, marking the end of an era for the legendary football player.

Voted as the best Brazilian player of the century by the IFFHS in 2006.

Received the FIFA Presidential Award in 2007.

In 2010, Pelé was named the honorary president of the New York Cosmos, further solidifying his influence and legacy in the world of football.

Recognized as South America's Best Player in History by L'Équipe in 2015.

Honored with the Inspiration Award by GQ in 2017.

Received the Global Citizen Award from the World Economic Forum in 2018.

Pelé was awarded the FIFA Ballon d'Or Prix d'Honneur, a prestigious lifetime achievement award, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the sport of football.

Pelé passed away on December 29, 2022, in São Paolo, Brazil, at the age of 82.