A Biography of a legend Soccer Football player.
Pele |
Pele was born on October 23, 1940 in Tres Coracoes, a small town in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. His real name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, but he got the nickname Pele from his childhood friends who mispronounced his name. He grew up in a poor family and learned to play soccer with a sock stuffed with newspaper or a grapefruit. He had a natural talent for the game and joined his first club, Bauru Athletic Club, when he was 15 years old.
Pele did not have much formal education, as he had to work as a shoeshiner and waiter to help his family. However, he had a passion for learning and read books and newspapers whenever he could. He also learned to speak several languages, including English, Spanish, Italian and French.
Pele's career took off when he was spotted by Waldemar de Brito, a former Brazilian national team player who became his mentor. He took him to Santos FC, one of the most prestigious clubs in Brazil, where he signed his first professional contract in 1956. He made his debut for Santos at the age of 16 and scored his first goal in his first game. He soon became a sensation and attracted huge crowds wherever he played.
Pele's international fame came when he was selected for the Brazilian national team for the 1958 World Cup in Sweden. He was only 17 years old and the youngest player ever to participate in the tournament. He scored six goals in four matches, including a hat-trick against France and two goals in the final against Sweden. He helped Brazil win its first World Cup title and became a global star.
Pele continued to dominate the soccer world in the next decade. He won two more World Cups with Brazil in 1962 and 1970, making him the only player to achieve this feat. He also led Santos to many domestic and international titles, including two Copa Libertadores and two Intercontinental Cups. He scored an incredible 1,091 goals for Santos in 1,114 games, a record that still stands today.
Pele retired from Santos in 1974, but came back to play for the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League (NASL) in 1975. He wanted to promote soccer in the United States and inspire a new generation of players. He played for three seasons with the Cosmos and won the NASL title in 1977. He played his farewell match on October 1, 1977 at Giants Stadium in front of 75,000 fans. He played one half for each team and scored his final goal from a penalty kick.
Pele's achievements are not limited to soccer. He is also a humanitarian, an ambassador, an author, an actor and a businessman. He has supported many causes such as UNICEF, UNESCO, World Wildlife Fund and AIDS prevention. He has received many honors and awards such as the FIFA Player of the Century, the International Olympic Committee Athlete of the Century and the United Nations Lifetime Achievement Award. He has written several books and starred in several movies and documentaries. He has also endorsed many products and brands such as Pepsi, Mastercard and Subway.
Pele is more than just a football player. He is an icon, a hero and an inspiration for millions of people around the world. He is the best example of how soccer can transcend sports and touch lives. He is Pele, the king of soccer.
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