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From Humble Beginnings to Football Stardom: The Story of Pelé
Pelé, dubbed as one of the greatest footballers of all time, had a humble beginning. Coming from the impoverished state of Minas Gerais in Brazil, his journey from playing with a grapefruit to becoming an iconic figure in soccer is nothing short of astonishing.
Pelé: More than Just a Sports Star
Pelé was not just a football player; he transcended it. Similar to Muhammad Ali in boxing, he left an indelible mark that went beyond the confines of the sport. He brought a unique blend of joy and creativity to football, transforming it from a rigid game to “o jogo bonito” – the beautiful game.
Brazil’s current international player, Neymar Jr., paid a heartfelt tribute to Pelé after his passing. Neymar wrote, “Pele changed everything. He turned football into art, into entertainment. He gave a voice to the poor, to Black people, and especially gave visibility to Brazil.”
The Staggering Achievements of “O Rei”
Cementing his legacy, Pelé claimed almost every honor possible in football. His dazzling career kickstarted at the age of 17 when he contributed significantly to Brazil’s World Cup success in 1958. He continued to impress with his stunning performances that culminated in securing the Golden Ball award at the 1970 World Cup. He was fittingly nicknamed “O Rei” – “The King”, for his consistent success in Brazil’s yellow and blue.
Pelé established an impressive scoring record, with 757 goals in 812 official matches for club and country. However, discrepancies exist regarding his total career goals. While FIFA documents 1,281 goals in 1,366 games, Brazil’s football association and Santos report 1,283 goals in 1,367 matches.
Pelé: An Artist on the Field
Pelé’s magic also resonated with the football artist, Neymar Jr, who stated: Pelé was also an artist on the pitch. He did not use a brush or a pen, but his ball handling skills created masterpieces on the field.
Glimpsing the Legend
The world first laid eyes on the promising player at the 1958 World Cup. During this tournament, Pelé’s talent became widely known. At just 17 years and seven months, he’s the youngest player ever in a World Cup, a record only surpassed in 1982 by Northern Ireland’s Norman Whiteside.
Almost 15 years after his breathtaking 1958 World Cup performance, Pelé retired, leaving a rich legacy for Brazil as the most successful country in World Cup history and an internationally feared team.
Pelé’s Monumental Impact in Brazil
Pelé’s key moment came at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. Broadcast for the first time in color, the tournament further enchanted football fans. Pelé showed exceptional skill and agility, wowing opposition teams and fans alike. He scored four crucial goals, winning him the tournament’s best player award and leading to Carlos Alberto’s iconic final goal against Italy.
Pelé’s talent was indeed exceptional. The Italian defender, Tarcisio Burgnich, confessed after experiencing it firsthand: “I told myself before the game, he’s made of skin and bones just like everyone else. But I was wrong.”
Despite playing almost his entire club career with Santos, in Brazil, Pelé’s distinct style, ball handling abilities, and lethal goal scoring prowess made him one of football’s first Black global stars.
Transcending Football and Stamping His Legacy
Pelé’s impact goes beyond football. A recent Netflix documentary highlights how Pelé became a symbol of a new country. Despite being apolitical, his rise coincided with the ascendancy of the Brazilian military in 1964, which saw football as a tactical and political strategy – particularly, the 1970 World Cup, which they made a “government issue.”
While the debate about the greatest footballer of all time continues – whether it’s Pelé, Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, or Cristiano Ronaldo, Brazil’s admiration and love for Pelé extend beyond his prowess on the field. He remains a national idol, embodying much more than just exceptional football skills.
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