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Born as Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Pele was born on 23rd October, 1940.
Pelel began his legendary football career by playing for Santos at the age of 15. He entered the Brazilian national team at the young age of 16.
The nickname ‘Pele’ was given to him from his school days. In his autobiography, Pele has said that he had no idea what the nickname means.
Pele grew up in poverty in Bauru, in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. His father was his initial football coach. Pele’s father was also a professional footballer but because of a knee injury, he had to abondon the sport.
Pele also played indoor footbal called futsal, in his teens. Pele credited his skill to futsal which he played during his early years.
Pele started by playing for Santos FC club. Pele scored his first goal in the match against Corinthians de Santo Andre which his club won 7-1.
Ten months after signing professionally, Pele, then a teenager, was called up for the Brazil national team. After the 1958 and 1962 world cups, the European clubs wanted to sign Pele, but could not.
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In 1961 the government of Brazil, under the President Janio Quadros declared Pele an ‘official national treasure’ to prevent him from being transferred out of the country.
Pele’s first international match resulted in a loss, Brazil losing to Argentina 2-1. Pele scored his first international goal in this match and remains the youngest goal scorer for his country.
When Pele participated in FIFA World Cup 1958, he was the youngest player to do so. In this very match Pele scored a hat-trick, again becoming the youngest player to do so. It was also in this world cup that Pele began wearing the jersey number 10. Pele won the Silver Ball as the second best player behind Didi.
During his career, Pele also came to be known as The Black Pearl, The King of Football, The King Pele or The King.
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Pele’s last international match was against Yugoslavia in Rio de Janeiro. Record has it that Brazil never lost a match while fielding both Pele and Garrincha. Pele won many accolades in his illustrious career.
The city of Santos inaugurated the Pele museum-Museu Pele which displays some 2400 piece collection of Ppele memorabilia.
Pele died of colon cancer at the age of 82, on 28th December 2022.
Tributes were paid by Lionel Messi, Christiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and other sports personalities and world leaders.
The funeral is to be held at Santos stadium on 2 & 3 January 2023.
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thanks, interesting read
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