How Pelé Became One of the Best-Paid Athletes in the World
Overview of the career of Brazilian football (soccer) player Pelé.
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
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Transcript
Who Was?
Pelé
Pelé was a Brazilian football (soccer) player. In his time, he was probably the most famous and best-paid athlete in the world.
As part of the Brazilian national team, he helped win World Cup championships in 1958, 1962, and 1970.
Born
Pelé was born on October 23, 1940, in Três Corações, Brazil. He was born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, and the nickname Pelé was apparently without significance.
Football Career
Pelé joined the Santos Football Club in 1956. With Pelé at inside left forward, the team won nine São Paulo league championships, the Libertadores Cup, and the Intercontinental Club Cup. After the 1958 World Cup, he became a Brazilian national hero.
Retirement After initially declaring his retirement in 1974, Pelé agreed to a three-year contract with the New York Cosmos the next year. In 1977 he officially retired after leading the Cosmos to the league championship.
Honors Pelé received the International Peace Award in 1978 and was named Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee. In 2014 the Pelé Museum opened in Santos, Brazil.
“Success isn’t determined by how many times you win, but by how you play the week after you lose.” —Pelé
Want to know the truth behind other famous figures? Learn more at Britannica.com.
Pelé was a Brazilian football (soccer) player. In his time, he was probably the most famous and best-paid athlete in the world.
As part of the Brazilian national team, he helped win World Cup championships in 1958, 1962, and 1970.
Born
Pelé was born on October 23, 1940, in Três Corações, Brazil. He was born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, and the nickname Pelé was apparently without significance.
Football Career
Pelé joined the Santos Football Club in 1956. With Pelé at inside left forward, the team won nine São Paulo league championships, the Libertadores Cup, and the Intercontinental Club Cup. After the 1958 World Cup, he became a Brazilian national hero.
Retirement After initially declaring his retirement in 1974, Pelé agreed to a three-year contract with the New York Cosmos the next year. In 1977 he officially retired after leading the Cosmos to the league championship.
Honors Pelé received the International Peace Award in 1978 and was named Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee. In 2014 the Pelé Museum opened in Santos, Brazil.
“Success isn’t determined by how many times you win, but by how you play the week after you lose.” —Pelé
Want to know the truth behind other famous figures? Learn more at Britannica.com.