November 19, 1969 was the historic moment when Pelé scored the 1000th goal of his career. Brazil celebrated nationwide. This iconic milestone took place in a match against Vasco da Gama and perpetuates Pelé’s legacy as one of the greatest goalscorers in history. His influence extended beyond football during the civil war in Nigeria. The groups declared a temporary ceasefire to witness Pelé’s demo match in Lagos. An event that temporarily stopped hostilities and showed the universal appeal of the sport. During Pelé’s time at Santos,

Pele flourished alongside exceptional talents such as Zito, Pepe and Coutinho. Their chemistry on the pitch created a formidable force characterized by complex plays, coordinated attacks and goals that captivated the fans. After 19 outstanding seasons, Pelé said goodbye to Brazilian football, leaving Santos with an amazing 6 3 goals. It is a milestone that stood the test of time until Lionel Messi surpassed it in Barcelona in December 2020.

Pelé’s departure marked the end of the Santos era, leaving an indelible mark on the club’s history and football itself. New York Cosmos Pelé’s move to the New York Cosmos in 1975 revolutionized American soccer. Despite his high profile, his arrival increased public interest in the sport throughout the United States. His influence extended outward. Attract legendary players like Giorgio Chinaglia, Franz Beckenbauer and Carlos Alberto to the NASL. Catalyze the influx of talent into the league. During his tenure with the Cosmos, Pelé’s presence was instrumental in leading the team to the 1977 Soccer Bowl. A remarkable conclusion to his three-season tenure.

His hat trick in a game that drew a record 62,39 fans. And other amazing performances showed his continued brilliance even in the twilight of his career. Pelé’s official retirement game on October 1, 1977 marked a poignant moment. Played in front of sold-out crowds at Giants Stadium and televised around the world. The game symbolizes the end of an era. Pelé’s pre-match message: “Love is more important than what we endure in life. It resonated deeply when he played for both the Cosmos and Santos and scored the final goal of his career in the rain with a majestic 30-yard free scoop. Prompting one Brazilian newspaper to point out: “Even the sky wept.

International career, 1958 World Cup

Pelé’s meteoric rise at the 1958 FIFA World Cup marked the beginning of a football legend. Having arrived in Sweden with a knee injury, his participation was initially uncertain. But his teammates rallied behind him and demanded his inclusion in the team. Although initially sidelined for the third match against the Soviet Union, Pelé made his mark by assisting in Vavá’s goal. Only 17 years old, he became the youngest player ever to reach the World Cup stage, a precocious talent and very promising. But it was the semi-final against France that etched Pelé into football folklore.

Brazil led 2-1. During half time, Pelé showed his extraordinary skills with an amazing hat-trick and became the youngest player in the history of the World Cup to achieve this feat. His remarkable talent led Brazil to the final. The World Cup final against Sweden on June 29, 1958 made Pelé a global sensation. At the age of 17 years and 2 9 days, he became the youngest player to play in a World Cup final, but he also left an indelible mark, scoring two goals. His first goal, a shot over a defender followed by a shot into the net, was heralded as one of the greatest World Cup goals of all time.

Pelé’s influence extended beyond the scoreboard. His performance drew admiration even from his opponents, with Sigvard Parling of Sweden expressing his desire to praise Pelé’s expertise on the field. The match ended with Pelé collapsing, Garrincha recovered and won, tears streaming down his face in celebration. His six goals in the tournament earned him the best young player award and gave him a sign of inspiration that transcended sport. Pelé’s impact, his rise from Minas Gerais to global superstardom as the first black sports icon, reverberated beyond the soccer field, inspiring generations and offering real hope in a difficult era. Despite initially being a substitute and the allocation of shirt numbers being irregular, Pelé rose to prominence at the tournament, winning accolades and recognition as the star of the

1958 World Cup

1962 World Cup The 1962 World Cup began with Pelé at the peak of his career. In Brazil’s opener against Mexico, he showed his brilliance by providing an assist and scoring a spectacular goal after driving past four defenders. However, misfortune struck in the next match against Czechoslovakia when Pelé was injured trying to shoot from distance, sidelining him for the rest of the tournament. Amarildo replaced Pelé and made a significant impact, but it was Garrincha who emerged as the driving force, leading Brazil to their second World Cup win against Czechoslovakia in the final in Santiago. In an era when only players who appeared in the final received medals, Pelé received his winner’s medal retroactively in 2007, despite missing through injury, after FIFA changed the rules in 1978 to include the entire squad.

1966 World Cup

The 1966 World Cup in England ended in unexpected disappointment despite the famous players of the Brazilian team such as Pelé, Garrincha and others. Brazil’s campaign was overshadowed by Pelé’s blunders, which caused injuries to Bulgarian and Portuguese defenders. Pelé managed to score against Bulgaria and became the first player to score in three consecutive World Cups. However, injuries caused by constant mistakes forced him to stay away from the Hungarian game. Despite not being fully fit, Pelé returned for the decisive game against Portugal, but was the victim of a hard foul that was not punished by the referee, forcing him to play away injured. Brazil’s loss to Portugal prompted Pelé to vow that he would never participate in another World Cup.He later reconsidered the decision.

1970 World Cup

Pelé was invited to the national team in early 1969, he initially refused, but accepted and played in six World Cup qualifiers, scoring six goals. Pelé’s influence and expertise were most important in Brazil’s 1970 World Cup in Mexico. Along with iconic teammates such as Jairzinho, Gerson, Tostão and Rivellino, Pelé’s central role in Brazil’s attacking front led to a memorable run to the final. In the group stage, Pelé showed his genius with a brilliant chest goal and a near-scoring audacious midfield goal against Czechoslovakia. His decisive performance and almost scoring a goal against England, prevented by a legendary save from Gordon Banks, added to the history of the tournament. Pelé’s contribution remained significant, scoring twice against Romania and setting up plays that led to decisive goals against Peru and Uruguay. His memorable trick on the Uruguayan goalkeeper highlighted his skillful game management. In the final against Italy, Pelé’s header in Brazil’s opening and his involvement in the iconic fourth goal, coached by Carlos Alberto, ensured Brazil’s -1 victory.

Ballon d’Or as the best player of the tournament

His extraordinary performance earned him the Ballon d’Or as the best player of the tournament, culminating in Brazil’s third World Cup win. After an illustrious international career, Pelé’s impact remained indelible as he made 92 appearances for Brazil, scored 77 goals and shaped an era that defined football at the highest level for generations. Playstyle Pelé was not just a player; he was the embodiment of the art and spirit of football. His adaptability on the court transcended positions and displayed a versatility that few have matched. His skills combined elegance, finesse and determination, allowing him to excel as a striker, playmaker or even a deeper lying midfielder. Despite his smaller stature, his aerial ability and accuracy on free kicks were amazing. But beyond stats and skills Pelé’s athletic ability and leadership skills left an indelible mark. The image of him exchanging jerseys with Bobby Moore – a gesture of mutual respect and camaraderie – captured the essence of the beautiful game. Pelé’s influence extended beyond goals and titles; he was a beacon of inspiration for generations. His grace, humility and unwavering commitment embodied the purest ideals of football.

His influence was not only on the field, but united people around the world through a common love for sports. He symbolizes the beauty, glamor and soul of football, leaving an eternal legacy as one of the greatest legacies not only for his talent, but also for his character and joy in the game. An inheritance Pelé’s influence extended far beyond the field, earning him the admiration and respect of contemporaries and legends of the game.

His name became synonymous with football excellence, respected by players, coaches and fans around the world. Famous figures such as Johan Cruyff, Franz Beckenbauer and Bobby Moore praised Pelé like no other, recognizing his intuitive understanding of the game and his unparalleled skills. Ferenc Puskás believed that Pelé transcended mere classification as a player, while Just Fontaine believed that watching Pelé play made retirement attractive. Even the legendary goalkeeper is Pelé himself, which testifies to his versatile abilities. The humility and humanity of Pelé were recognized as much as their talent. His own reflection on the dichotomy between Edson (the person) and Pelé (the icon) speaks volumes for his lasting legacy.

His passing led to an outpouring of tributes confirming how his legacy continues to inspire and unite generations, cementing his status as a global football icon even after his death. The Pelé Pact” and Puma sponsorship The “Pelé Contract” between Adidas and Puma before the 1970 World Cup sought to prevent a bidding war for Pelé’s sponsorship. Despite this agreement, Puma reneged on the deal and signed Pelé, paying him a large sum to promote their boots. This move, especially during Brazil’s most important match against Peru, strategically introduced the Puma King boots to a global audience, creating a marketing sensation. The Pelé trade became a pivotal moment in the rivalry between Adidas and Puma, which fundamentally changed the sportswear industry, increasing competition and triggering major business innovations. Personal life Relationships and children Pelé’s personal life included three marriages and multiple relationships, resulting in seven children.

Conjugal Life

His first marriage was to Rosemeri dos Reis Cholb, with whom he had two daughters, Kely Cristina and Jennifer, and a son named Edson (“Edinho”). Edinho faced legal problems related to money laundering from drug trafficking. In the 80s, he was involved with television host Xuxa and later married psychologist Assíria Lemos Seixas. Before her divorce in 2008, she had twins during infertility treatment. Pele had other children from the relationship, including Sandra Machado, whose paternity was confirmed by DNA after a legal battle. ; he died tragically of cancer. Later, at the age of 73, Pelé married Marcia Aoki, whom he had been dating since 2010. They tied the knot in 2016, marking a new chapter in her personal life.

Pelé briefly served as Brazil’s Minister of Sports, focusing on anti-corruption reforms in the state’s soccer associations. During the 2013 protests in Brazil, he called for support for the national team amid the protests. In 2022, he publicly addressed Russian President Vladimir Putin via Instagram, condemning the unjustified attack on Ukraine and emphasizing his anti-conflict stance.

Ambassador of UNESCO

After football Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO Pelé’s commitment to various roles ranged from his appointment as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in 199 to the Brazilian Minister of Sports in 1995 under president Fernando Henrique Cardoso. His proposed anti-corruption legislation in Brazilian football, known as the “Pelé Law”, aims to combat corruption in the sport.

However, the position of Minister of Sport was abolished later in 1998. In 2001, Pelé was involved in a corruption scandal involving 700,000 USD from UNICEF that was intended for a benefit match. Although accusations were made, no conclusive evidence was found and Pelé denied any wrongdoing.

Pele was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1997 at Buckingham Palace. In addition, he participated in the opening ceremony of the 2006 FIFA World Cup with Claudia Schiffer. Pelé, extraordinary sports minister of Brazil Pelé’s life extended beyond football and is characterized by events and projects off the field. In 1993, he accused Brazil’s soccer administrator Ricardo Teixeira of corruption after his television company was rejected for Brazil’s domestic rights to the 199 FIFA World Cup. That dispute fueled an eight-year feud between the two, which led to João Havelange, then FIFA president and Teixeira’s father-in-law, banning Pelé from the 199 FIFA World Cup draw.

During a Pepsi-sponsored trip to Lagos, Nigeria in 1976, a military coup trapped Pelé and other athletes in a hotel. He sought refuge in the residence of the Brazilian ambassador and then left disguised as a pilot when the airport reopened. Pelé delved into various creative endeavors, including autobiographies, documentaries, music, and acting. He starred in films such as “Escape to Victory” in 1981 with Michael Caine and Sylvester Stallone, in the Telenovela “Os Estranhos” in 1969 and appeared in films such as “Mike Bassett: England Manager” in 2001. However, he refused to participate . . In the ESPN documentary “Once in a Lifetime” in 2006 due to conflict.

The World Economic Forum in Switzerland, 2006

Pelé at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, 2006 Pelé’s influence extended beyond his playing days. He participated in various events and defended the role of sport in development at the 2006 World Economic Forum. He joined Sheffield F.C. in 2007. At the 150th anniversary celebrations, the Inter Milan match and the unveiling of the original handwritten rules of football. Pelé, Downing Street, London, 2012, at the Hunger Summit hosted by British Prime Minister David Cameron His connection to football remained; Pelé scouted Fulham in 2002, took part in the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying group draw and in 2010 became honorary president of the revived New York Cosmos, who sought to join Major League Soccer. Although there were rumors of a cameo role with Santos at the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup, these were ultimately proven false, underscoring his continued importance and appeal in the world of football. Pelé became a prominent ambassador, focusing on various causes.

UN Ambassador for Ecology and Environment since 1992

Pele work as UN Ambassador for Ecology and Environment since 1992 reflects his commitment to global issues. Brazil recognized his contribution and awarded him a gold medal for his work in sport in 1995. In 2012, the University of Edinburgh awarded Pele an honorary doctorate in recognition of his humanitarian efforts over his sporting achievements.

Pele In the Olympic world

His involvement extended to the Olympic world. Pelé supported Rio de Janeiro’s bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics by attending a presentation to the Union of African National Olympic Committees in Abuja, Nigeria. In August 2012, he participated in the Olympic Hunger Summit hosted by British Prime Minister David Cameron and later participated in the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Summer Olympics, symbolizing the handover of Rio de Janeiro as the host city for the 2016 Olympics.

Death and Funeral

Pele breath his last on 29 December 2022 (aged 82) Pelé’s passing in December 2022 resonated globally, eliciting profound tributes and mourning from across the world of football and beyond. Current football stars like Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, and Lionel Messi, among many others, offered heartfelt condolences. Tributes poured in from sports icons, celebrities, and world leaders. Brazil’s outgoing President Jair Bolsonaro announced a three-day period of national mourning. FIFA marked the occasion by flying flags at half-mast at its headquarters in Zürich. Global landmarks, Rio’s Christ the Redeemer statue and Maracanã Stadium, Wembley Stadium and CONMEBOL headquarters in Paraguay lit up in honor of the soccer legend. Pelé’s death marked the unprecedented loss of a football icon that was deeply felt and mourned around the world.