Pele is a name that will be discussed for generations to come, as he is widely known as one of the best soccer players ever. His impact on the sport is undeniable, especially in Brazil, as he inspired Ronaldo and Neymar to become the incredible soccer players they turned into. He is the only soccer player to win three world cups in 1958, 1962, and 1970. Peles’s death was unfortunate because he was such an icon in the sport; he gave so much to soccer that it touched everyone’s heart to hear the news of his death. In light of the unfortunate passing of the soccer legend, we will be overviewing his life story and rise to prominence below.
Humble Beginnings
Pele was born on October 23, 1942, in the Minas Gerais city of Tres Coracoes in Southwestern Brazil. His father was Donhindino, a prolific goal scorer for the professional club in Brazil, Fluminense FC. When he was just six years old, his family moved to the middle eastern part of Brazil because his father was playing for Buero Atletico Clube. After moving there, his family was in extreme poverty, especially after his father retired from playing soccer. His father had to retire because he had an injury-riddled career plaguing him, so he decided to retire when Pele was still very young. However, because they were so poor when young Pele started playing soccer, he had to use a ball stuffed with socks to kick around.
At the start Of His Soccer Career
His mother was not fond of the idea of him becoming a soccer player because she wanted him to focus on his academics. She was also concerned about the injuries because his father’s career was plagued with injuries. However, he still pursued soccer under the mentorship of his father. Through his father’s training, he grew into a skilled young player progressing through the youth ranks with the club Bauru Atletico Clube. This was when Santos scout Waldemar de Brito initially scouted him. He played indoor soccer throughout his teen years, which he credits to making him a better player. In 1956 Pele debuted for Santos as a 15-year-old, where he scored his first goal. A year later, he made it into the starting lineup as just a 16-year-old; he was also the leagues leading scorer. His incredible performance got him called to the national team as just a 16-year-old soccer player.
Pele’s First World Cup
Pele was playing in his first-ever world cup at just 17 years of age. He missed the first two group-stage games and made his world cup debut against the Soviet Union. They won 2-0; however, Pele did not get the opportunity to score until the quarter-finals against Wales. He entered the game in the 60th minute and scored the match’s only goal to send Brazil to the semi-finals. Scoring in the quarter-finals made him the youngest player to ever score in the Fifa World Cup. Pele began to flourish into a superstar in the semi-final game. He scored three goals to help Brazil pass France 5-2 to make it to the World Cup finals. The young star bagged a brace in the finals of the World Cup against Sweden to win the championship for Brazil. He was named the best young player of the tournament and the second joint top scorer with six goals for the game. To this date, he is still the youngest player to ever score a goal in the World Cup before turning 18.
Why He Is a Soccer Icon
Pele is a soccer icon; his skill was so immense that he was named the Brazilian King. He is such an iconic player that when the name of greatest soccer player of all time, his name is always mentioned along with the late Diego Maradona and Messi. He was such an incredible soccer player that in 1961 the Brazilian government was so anxious about him leaving that they made him a national treasure. Throughout his remarkable career, it is noted that he scored 650 goals in league matches and scored a total of 1281 goals throughout his entire career. His fame was so widespread that in 1967 in Nigeria, they had a cease-fire so that he could play an exhibition match. He was also knighted by the Queen of England, proving his importance and prominence within the sport. Overall, Pele was an inspiration to many and an incredible player whose legacy will continue to be discussed.
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