Preserving
the Legacy.
Pelé has maintained an unwavering commitment to his core values. These values have let the world know where he stood and they continue to guide the way he acts and behaves. When we live up to our values, we attract like-minded team members, inspire fans and partners and show the world what it means to be like Pelé.
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3x World Champion
Pelé's illustrious career is marked by an extraordinary achievement: winning three World Cups with Brazil, a record that remains unmatched.
He burst onto the international scene at just 17 years old during the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, where he dazzled with his skill and scored crucial goals, including two in the final against the host nation. Despite an injury in the 1962 World Cup in Chile, Pelé contributed to Brazil's victorious campaign, showcasing his resilience and talent.
His final World Cup triumph came in 1970 in Mexico, where he led a legendary Brazilian team to glory, cementing his status as one of the greatest players in soccer history. Over these three tournaments, Pelé's brilliance, scoring prowess, and visionary play left an indelible mark on the sport.
Before Pelé, the number 10 in soccer did not hold the same prestige and mystique it does today.
When Pelé emerged on the world soccer scene, he quickly stood out as an extraordinary player, endowed with exceptional technical skills, sharp game vision, and unparalleled finishing ability. His performances in the World Cups, especially in the 1958, 1962, and 1970 editions, where he was a key figure in Brazil's victories, solidified his reputation as one of the greatest players of all time.
The story of the first time Pelé wore the number 10 is, interestingly enough, a twist of fate. In the 1958 World Cup, held in Sweden, the Brazilian team did not yet have fixed numbers for their players. FIFA requested that numbers be assigned, but due to an administrative error or lack of organization, Pelé was registered with the number 10 without any prior intention. At the time, Pelé was a young 17-year-old, little known on the international scene, and was just starting to be integrated into the main team. This chance event, however, was the starting point for the transformation of the number 10 into a soccer icon.
During the tournament, Pelé wore the number 10 jersey and quickly stood out, scoring decisive goals and leading Brazil to their first World Cup victory. He scored a hat-trick in the semi-finals against France and two goals in the final against Sweden, helping Brazil win the title. It was at this moment that the number 10 began to take on a new meaning, associated with genius and the ability to change the course of a match.
It was with Pelé that the number 10 began to be associated with the most creative, skilled, and decisive player on the team. Pelé wore the number 10 jersey for Santos Football Club and the Brazilian national team in historic moments, scoring memorable goals and making plays that enchanted the world. The magic and brilliance of Pelé while wearing the number 10 gave this number a special status. From then on, being the number 10 became a privilege and a responsibility, symbolizing the player who can change the course of a match with a touch of genius.
In summary, before Pelé, the number 10 was just any number. It was Pelé's brilliance and achievements, coupled with the chance that made him wear the number 10 for the first time in the 1958 World Cup, that transformed the number 10 into a soccer icon, a symbol of talent and excellence that continues to inspire generations of players and fans around the world.
The first #10
FIFA Player of The Century
Pelé being named FIFA's Athlete of the Century is a testament to his incredible skill and lasting impact on the world of soccer.
At a special ceremony held during the FIFA World Player of the Century gala, Pelé was officially recognized as the Athlete of the Century, a title that reflects not only his skill in soccer but also his influence and lasting legacy in the sport and global culture.
The title of Athlete of the Century by FIFA is just one of the many awards and honors Pelé has received throughout his life. His contribution to soccer and his impact as a cultural icon continue to be celebrated by soccer fans and admirers around the world.
Top Scorer of All Time
Pelé, the King of Football, etched his name in sports history with an unparalleled record: 1,283 goals in his career. This legendary milestone not only highlights his extraordinary talent but also his passion and dedication to soccer. Each of Pelé's goals is a testament to his brilliance and his unmatched ability to transform the game, inspiring generations of players and fans around the world.
Humanitarian
In 2018, Pelé, the eternal King of Football, went beyond his on-field achievements by founding the Pelé Foundation, driven by his deep concern for children and the fight against poverty. Throughout his life, Pelé was a tireless advocate for children's rights, and his humanitarian actions earned him titles and honors such as Citizen of the World by the UN in 1977 and Goodwill Ambassador by UNESCO in 1993. The Pelé Foundation reflects this dedication, mobilizing resources and inspiring actions aimed at transforming the lives of thousands of children, ensuring a fairer and more hopeful future for new generations.
Timeline
Witness, through iconic photos, how Edson Arantes do Nascimento transformed into Pelé, the King of Football. Swipe to explore the album featuring the favorite photos of the most important athlete in history.
Legacy
