Top 20 Amazing Facts about Pele   

Top 20 Amazing Facts about Pele

*Originally published by Beatrice in April 2022 and Updated by Ronny in January 2024  

Edson Arantes do Nascimento better known as Pele is a Brazilian former professional footballer who played as a forward. He was on  TIME’s list of 100 most influential people of the 20th century. 

He is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time and labeled “the greatest” by FIFA. Pele was among the most successful and popular sports figures. 

He has done many important things to advance soccer and his professional career. He has played in more games and scored more career goals than any other soccer player in history and is an international sports hero. 

Here are the 20 amazing facts about Pele. 

1. Pele’s Father Was a Footballer

Pele was born on 23 October 1940, in Três Corações, Minas Gerais, Brazil. His father was João Ramos do Nascimento (Dondinho) who was a footballer and his mother was Celeste Arantes. He had two younger siblings. 

Pele’s father played as a center forward for Atlético Mineiro, Fluminense, and several other small football clubs. Dondinho was not only Pele’s father but he was his mentor and trainer too.  

2. He Came From a Poor Background 

Pelé celebrating the World Cup. Photo By Unknown author – Wikimedia Commons

Growing up in poverty, Pelé practiced his dribbling skills with a sock stuffed with rags when his family couldn’t afford to buy him an actual soccer ball.  

When he was still young, the family moved to Bauru in the state of São Paulo. He earned extra money by working in tea shops as a servant, shining shoes, and selling roasted peanuts outside movie theaters. 

Unable to afford shoes, he frequently played barefoot and his friends eventually formed a team called the Shoeless Ones. Later, barefooted games played in vacant lots became known as “pelada,” believed to be named after Pelé. 

3. He Once Played Indoor Football 

In his mid-teens, Pele played indoor football commonly known as Futsal. The game is an association football-based game played on a hard court smaller than a football pitch and is mainly played indoors.  

Indoor football had just become popular in Bauru when Pelé began playing it. He was part of the first futsal competition in the region and he played for a team called Radium. Pelé and his team won the first championship and several others. 

With the ball on the floor being a lot quicker than football on the grass and players being close together, everyone was required to think faster. Pelé credits futsal for helping him think better on the spot and being a great footballer. 

4. Pele Scored Over 100 Hat Tricks 

When a player scores three or more goals in a single match, it is known as a hat trick. Pele scored 129 hat tricks during his career.  

Pele had scored many goals throughout his career, he was never content with just one goal. He had 92 three-goal games, 31 four-goal games, and six five-goal games, and once netted eight goals in a single game. 

It is an incredible thing for a player to score three goals in one game, this player did it 129 different times.  

5. He is a Guinness World Record Holder 

Edson Arantes do Nascimento (Pele). Photo By World Economic Forum – Wikimedia Commons

Pele has two world records, those are the Most Career Goals and Most World Cup Winners’ Medals. He is also still the youngest player to score in a World Cup final. 

What’s more impressive is that he is by far the youngest player to win two World Cups. In 1958, Pelé became the youngest player to play in a World Cup final match. He was 17 years and 249 days. He scored two goals in that final. He won his second World Cup in 1962 at the age of 21. 

He holds the Guinness World Record for the greatest number of goals scored by an individual. Pele scored 1,279 goals from 7 September 1956 to 1 October 1977 in 1,363 games. 

6. His First Contract Was 10 Dollars a Month 

At 15 years old, Pelé signed his first contract with Santos in 1956, earning just $10 a month. Pele used his pay to buy his mother a gas stove, though their town didn’t have piped gas into homes, then.

Years later, he signed a three-year $7 million contract with the New York Cosmos in 1975, making him the highest‐paid team athlete in the world at the time.  

In 1961, the Brazilian government designated him as a National Treasure to prevent him from being taken out of the country by international football clubs. 

7. Pele is a Brazilian National Treasure 

Brazil President Lula and Pele in 2008. Photo By Fabio Rodrigues – Wikimedia

After Pelé led Brazil’s national team to their first World Cup win in 1958, European clubs such as Real Madrid, Juventus, Inter Milan, and Manchester United began courting the rising star.  

To prevent him from being traded to foreign teams, Brazilian President Jânio Quadros had Pelé declared a national treasure in 1961. 

The good thing is he was happy to play for his team Santos and he didn’t desire to play outside the country. Pele is a national hero and idol in his native Brazil. He is very well known for his contributions to soccer and has inspired thousands, if not millions, of children to play soccer over the years. 

8. Pele Was Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II

Pele was given an honorary knighthood in 1997. He strictly cannot use the title ‘Sir’ until he becomes a British citizen. As a Brazilian citizen, he was not eligible to receive an actual knighthood.   

If he became a Briton, the honorary knighthood would then become a substantive knighthood.  

9. He Played Both Sides For a Match Between His Two Teams in His Final Pro Game 

In October 1977, Pelé competed in his final professional game in an exhibition match between the New York Cosmos and Santos F.C. at New Jersey’s Giants Stadium.  

He played the first half of the game for Santos, scoring one goal, and then switched jerseys and played for the Cosmos in the second half. The Cosmos eventually won the match with a final score of 2-1. 

10. There is a Pele Day 

Pelé in a wheelchair in 2018 at the unveiling of his statue in Rio de Janeiro. Photo By Marceloamontenegro – Wikimedia

Pelé scored his 1000th goal on 19 November 1969. 19th November is simply known as Pelé Day in Santos. 

There is a statue of Pele in Rio de Janeiro, that was unveiled in 2018. There is also a museum in his honor.

11. He scored over 1,280 professional career goals, a remarkable achievement

Pele, the Brazilian soccer legend, achieved an extraordinary milestone by scoring over 1,280 professional career goals, marking a feat that has become synonymous with his prolific scoring prowess.

From his early days with Santos FC in Brazil to his later stint with the New York Cosmos, Pele consistently showcased unmatched skill and goal-scoring ability. This remarkable achievement not only solidified his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time but also set a standard for excellence that is rarely surpassed in the world of professional soccer.

Each goal represented not just a numerical record but a testament to Pele’s unparalleled talent, agility, and goal-scoring instinct, leaving an indelible mark on the history of the sport.

12. Pele won three FIFA World Cups with Brazil in 1958, 1962, and 1970

Pele’s indelible mark on football history is epitomized by his remarkable achievement of winning three FIFA World Cups with Brazil in 1958, 1962, and 1970. In the 1958 tournament, Pele, at the tender age of 17, became the youngest player to score in a World Cup final, securing Brazil’s first title.

Four years later, in 1962, despite facing injury setbacks, he led Brazil to another triumph, showcasing his resilience and impact on the team. The pinnacle of his international career came in 1970 when Pele’s sublime skills and leadership guided Brazil to their third World Cup victory.

His unparalleled success on the grandest stage solidified Pele’s status as a football legend, and his contributions to Brazil’s World Cup triumphs remain an enduring legacy in the beautiful game’s history.

13. At 17, he became the youngest player to score in a World Cup

El Gráfico, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

At the age of 17, Pele etched his name in football history by becoming the youngest player to score in a World Cup. This remarkable feat occurred during the 1958 tournament, where the Brazilian prodigy displayed precocious talent and goal-scoring prowess.

Pele’s goal not only contributed to Brazil’s victory but also highlighted his exceptional skill at a young age, foreshadowing the legendary career that would unfold. This record-breaking achievement set the stage for Pele’s enduring impact on the sport, solidifying his status as a football icon and leaving an indelible mark on the World Cup’s storied legacy.

14. Pele’s extraordinary skills earned him the nickname “The Black Pearl.”

Pele’s extraordinary skills on the football pitch earned him the fitting and evocative nickname “The Black Pearl.” This moniker not only encapsulates the rare and precious nature of his talent but also pays homage to the mesmerizing brilliance he brought to the beautiful game.

As a symbol of elegance, rarity, and excellence, “The Black Pearl” serves as a testament to Pele’s unmatched abilities, his impact transcending the boundaries of sports and establishing him as an iconic figure in the world of football.

The nickname reflects the universal recognition of Pele’s dazzling and unique contributions to the sport, further enhancing his legendary status.

15. Pele was named FIFA World Player of the Century in 1999

Ank Kumar, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In a testament to his unparalleled impact on the world of football, Pele was honored as the FIFA World Player of the Century in 1999. This prestigious accolade recognized his exceptional skill, influence, and enduring legacy in the sport.

Pele’s ability to captivate audiences globally, coupled with his remarkable achievements, led to this distinguished recognition, placing him among the greatest footballers of all time.

The title reaffirms Pele’s status as a football legend whose contributions transcended eras, leaving an indelible mark on the beautiful game and solidifying his place in the annals of sporting history.

16.  Pele’s famous bicycle kick goal is etched in soccer history

Pele’s famous bicycle kick goal stands as an iconic moment etched in soccer history. This extraordinary feat, executed with impeccable skill and athleticism, showcases Pele’s mastery of the game.

The goal, often regarded as one of the greatest in football, symbolizes his flair, creativity, and technical brilliance. It transcends a mere sporting achievement, becoming a symbol of the beauty and artistry inherent in soccer.

This spectacular bicycle kick not only contributed to Pele’s legendary status but also remains a vivid and celebrated memory for fans worldwide, forever embedded in the rich tapestry of soccer’s storied past.

17. Pele was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 1993

Danazar, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the sport, Pele was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 1993. This prestigious honor underscored his enduring impact on soccer and solidified his status as one of the game’s all-time greats.

Pele’s induction not only celebrated his exceptional playing career, marked by numerous achievements and accolades but also highlighted his role in shaping the cultural and historical landscape of football.

The National Soccer Hall of Fame acknowledgment stands as a testament to Pele’s lasting legacy, honoring his indomitable spirit and immeasurable influence on the beautiful game.

18. Pele’s autobiography, “My Life and the Beautiful Game,” is widely acclaimed

Pele’s autobiography, titled “My Life and the Beautiful Game,” stands as a widely acclaimed testament to the soccer legend’s remarkable journey. In this literary work, Pele shares insights into his personal and professional life, providing readers with a captivating narrative of his experiences within and beyond the football field.

The book is celebrated not only for its vivid storytelling but also for offering a unique perspective on the intricacies of the beautiful game.

Pele’s autobiography has resonated with fans and enthusiasts alike, cementing its status as a cherished and insightful portrayal of a living legend’s life intertwined with the sport he so passionately embraced.

19. His impact on soccer extends beyond the field, influencing generations

Fotopersbureau De Boer, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Pele’s influence on soccer transcends the boundaries of the field, leaving an indelible mark that resonates across generations. Beyond his dazzling performances, Pele’s charisma, sportsmanship, and commitment to the beautiful game have inspired countless individuals worldwide.

His legacy is not only measured in goals and victories but also in the profound impact he has had on the culture and ethos of soccer.

As a global ambassador for the sport, Pele’s enduring influence continues to shape the way people perceive, play, and celebrate the world’s most beloved game, making him a true icon and ambassador for generations of football enthusiasts.

20. Pele has a bronze statue at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro

Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Pele’s monumental impact on Brazilian football is commemorated by a bronze statue at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. The statue serves as a tangible tribute to the soccer legend’s extraordinary contributions to the sport and his iconic status in Brazilian football history.

Positioned prominently at this historic stadium, the sculpture immortalizes Pele’s enduring legacy, symbolizing not only his exceptional skill but also his role in shaping the nation’s football culture.

The presence of Pele’s statue at Maracanã stands as a perpetual homage, allowing fans and visitors to pay homage to the enduring spirit of one of the greatest footballers of all time.

Pele’s legacy is a tapestry of unparalleled achievements, sporting brilliance, and enduring influence. From his record-breaking goal tally to his three World Cup triumphs, Pele’s impact transcends the soccer pitch, shaping the very essence of the beautiful game. With iconic moments, accolades, and a lasting imprint on global football culture, Pele stands not just as a legend but as an immortal symbol of skill, passion, and the magic of soccer.