Pelé: The King Who Won Three World Cups and Became Brazil’s Eternal Icon
Pelé, full name Edson Arantes do Nascimento, is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history and the only player ever to win three World Cups. Born in Três Corações, Brazil, on 23 October 1940, he died in São Paulo on 29 December 2022, aged 82. Known as “O Rei” (The King), he defined an era with his goals, dribbling and leadership. This profile revisits his career path, club achievements and World Cup legend.
From Santos Teenager to the World Stage
Pelé joined the Brazilian club Santos at just 15 and quickly stunned Brazilian football with his finishing. He spent the vast majority of his career there, becoming the club’s all-time top scorer with 643 goals in 659 games and winning countless domestic and international honours. Late in his career he moved to the New York Cosmos, carrying the football boom to North America and extending his global influence across the ocean.
The Only Man to Win Three World Cups
Pelé remains the only player to win the World Cup three times, in 1958, 1962 and 1970. At the 1958 finals in Sweden he announced himself at just 17, becoming one of the youngest world champions ever and scoring in the final. In 1962 an early injury cut short his tournament, yet Brazil still retained the trophy. In 1970 in Mexico he crowned his World Cup story alongside a side hailed as the greatest ever, opening the scoring in the final.
International Record and Style
Pelé played 92 times for Brazil and scored 77 goals, a tally that stood among the very top of the national team’s all-time list for more than fifty years. A complete forward, he combined explosive power, balance and calm finishing, able both to beat defenders on his own and to link play and create for team-mates. According to Guinness World Records, he scored more than a thousand goals across his career, earning the nickname the “man of a thousand goals”.
A Legend Beyond the Pitch
Pelé’s meaning has long transcended the field. He spread the flair and joy of Brazilian football around the world and became a symbol of the game’s globalisation. After retiring he served for years as an ambassador for football and humanitarian causes. In 2000 he was named FIFA Player of the Century jointly with Maradona, and “The King” and the number 10 shirt alike became bywords for genius and grace.
FAQ
How many World Cups did Pelé win?
Three, in 1958, 1962 and 1970 — he is the only player to achieve this.
How many goals did Pelé score for Brazil?
77 goals in 92 games, long among the top of Brazil’s all-time scoring list.
Which club did Pelé mainly play for?
Santos of Brazil, where he is the all-time top scorer; late in his career he also played for the New York Cosmos.
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