Pelé
1940–2022 — Brazil
Era: Modern
Brilliance: 8/10 | Stewardship: 8/10 | Composite Index: 64
The Beautiful Game personified. Over 1,000 goals.
"Everything is possible. Believe in your dreams and work hard to make them come true."
Biography
Pelé revolutionized football with his athleticism, technical mastery, and goalscoring prowess, becoming the sport's first global superstar. He won three FIFA World Cups with Brazil (1958, 1962, 1970) and scored over 1,000 goals across his career, establishing the template for modern strikers. His charisma and excellence elevated football from regional sport to worldwide phenomenon.
Key Facts
- Scored in the 1958 World Cup Final at age 17, becoming the youngest World Cup goalscorer
- Won three FIFA World Cups, more than any other player in history
- Spent 18 seasons at Santos FC, leading them to Copa Libertadores titles and international glory
- Named FIFA Player of the Century alongside Diego Maradona
- Played 92 times for Brazil, scoring 77 goals, and retired as the national team's all-time leading scorer
1,000+ goals. 3 World Cups. One legend. Pelé changed football forever.
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