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Pelé

Legend Profile

Pelé

O Rei. The King. The man who turned football into art and won it all before he was old enough to rent a car.

Country: Brazil Position: Forward Active: 1956–1977

By the Numbers

Statistics

1,280+
Career Goals
92
Goals for Brazil
10
São Paulo State Titles
2
NASL Championships
3
World Cups

The Journey

Career Path

From shining shoes in Bauru to becoming the first true global icon of the sport.

Childhood

Bauru, Brazil

1940 – 1956

Grew up too poor to afford a real ball, learning the game with a sock stuffed with rags.

Club

Santos FC

1956 – 1974

6 Brazilian championships · 2 Copa Libertadores · 2 Intercontinental Cups

Club

New York Cosmos

1975 – 1977

Helped launch soccer's popularity in the United States

National

Brazil

1957 – 1971

FIFA World Cup 1958, 1962 & 1970 · Youngest World Cup scorer and finalist in history

Moments

Gallery

"

Success is no accident. It is hard work and sacrifice.

— Pelé