The King Rises
CBF
In 1957, at just 16 years old, Pelé made his debut for the Brazilian national team. His extraordinary talent quickly became evident, and it was clear that a new era in football was beginning. Pelé's first goal for Brazil came in his second game, showcasing his potential to become a global football icon.
World Cup Glory: Sweden 1958
Pelé's first World Cup appearance came in 1958 in Sweden. Despite being the youngest player in the tournament, he became a sensation. Pelé scored six goals in four matches, including a hat-trick in the semi-final against France and two goals in the final against Sweden. His performance helped Brazil win their first World Cup, and Pelé, at 17, became the youngest player to ever score in a World Cup final.
The 1962 World Cup in Chile saw Pelé returning with high expectations. He started the tournament with a brilliant goal against Mexico, but an injury in the second match against Czechoslovakia sidelined him for the rest of the tournament. Despite his absence, Brazil's team, inspired by Pelé's initial brilliance, went on to win their second consecutive World Cup, cementing their place in football history.
Reinforcing Greatness: Chile 1962
Redemption and Triumph: Mexico 1970
After a disappointing World Cup in 1966, where Pelé faced rough treatment from opponents and Brazil exited early, he was determined to reclaim glory in 1970. The 1970 World Cup in Mexico is often considered Pelé's finest hour. Leading a team widely regarded as one of the greatest in football history, Pelé scored four goals and provided numerous assists. His performance in the final against Italy, where he scored the opening goal and assisted two others, led Brazil to a 4-1 victory and their third World Cup title. Pelé became the only player to win three World Cups, a record that still stands today.
Pelé's journey with the Brazilian national team was filled with iconic moments. From his dazzling debut to the unforgettable 1970 World Cup, Pelé consistently demonstrated his extraordinary talent. One of his most memorable matches was the 1970 final against Italy, where his goal and assists played a crucial role in Brazil's victory. Pelé's vision, skill, and sportsmanship made him a global ambassador for the sport.
Memorable Matches and Historic Milestones
Farewell to
International Football
Pelé played his last match for Brazil on July 18, 1971, in a friendly against Yugoslavia. His farewell was an emotional occasion, filled with tributes from teammates, opponents, and fans around the world. Pelé finished his international career with 77 goals in 92 matches, making him Brazil's all-time leading scorer.