The Best Footballer (Soccer Player) of All Time
On October 23, 1940 in Três Corações, a city in the Minas Gerais state of Brazil, a legend was born. Today, in a world of 7 billion people, soccer is the foremost sport and Pelé (Edson Arantes do Nascimento) remains at the center of “the beautiful game” — where he is universally recognized, respected and revered in every corner of the globe.
Career Highlights
Pelé started his professional career at the age of 16 for Santos Futebol Clube, a club he stayed with for nearly two decades. In 1958, he won his first World Cup for Brazil at age 17 – the youngest winner ever. He went on to win another two World Cups in 1962 and 1970, making him the only person in the world today with three Jules Rimet trophies to his name. Not only is Pelé the all-time leading scorer of Santos FC and the Brazil National Team, but he is the all-time leading scorer in the history of the sport (1283 goals in 1366 matches).
In 1974, Pelé came out of semi-retirement to sign with the New York Cosmos for the 1975-1977 seasons and led his team to the 1977 NASL championship. After his final career match on October 1, 1977 in front of more than 75,000 fans, Pelé shouted, “Love! Love! Love!” and urged his audience to pay attention to the youth of the world.
Brazilian Pride
Pelé will never forget where he came from and has a never-ending desire to give back. From his humble beginnings, to his unmatched athletic feats, to his post-career influence and impact on every continent – Pelé lives with great honor and pride of his birthplace (Três Corações means Three Hearts) in that, “Where I was born, where I grew up and where I played football – they have given me three hearts too.”
Honors and Recognition
Named one of Time Magazine’s “Top 20 Most Important People of the 20th Century” and “Football Player of the Century” (FIFA), Pelé today maintains his commitment to the sport and to society by fulfilling various roles as spokesperson, ambassador and philanthropist.
Pele is available for appearance and can touch on topics such as:
- His humble beginnings
- His love for soccer since a young age
- His father – a major role model and inspiration for him to play soccer
- His work ethic which led him to winning three World Cups, his first World Cup as the youngest player ever in the history of the sport (to win a World Cup)
- His competitive spirit and drive – and how this can relate to business
- His life as an ambassador for brands, but also as a humanitarian for the people
- His views on the future of the world, through its young people, the next generation
- His life lessons and how they can be adopted by everyone
- His respect of teamwork….nothing is done alone
- His world travels and the cultural learnings he’s gained throughout his entire career
His humble beginnings His love for soccer since a young age His father - a major role model and inspiration for him to play soccer His work ethic which led him to winning three World Cups, his first World Cup as the youngest player ever in the history of the sport (to win a World Cup) His competitive spirit and drive – and how this can relate to business His life as an ambassador for brands, but also as a humanitarian for the people His views on the future of the world, through its young people, the next generation His life lessons and how they can be adopted by everyone His respect of teamwork….nothing is done alone His world travels and the cultural learnings he's gained throughout his entire career
