Pelé

Three-time World Cup winner widely considered the greatest footballer of all time. Scored 757 career goals for Santos and Brazil.

Edson Arantes do Nascimento — universally known as Pelé — grew up in poverty in Três Corações, Brazil, before becoming the most celebrated footballer in history. He joined Santos aged 15 and made his Brazil debut at 16, becoming the youngest player to appear in a World Cup final when Brazil won the 1958 tournament in Sweden at just 17 years old. His six goals in the knockout rounds included a hat-trick in the semi-final against France. He spent 18 years at Santos FC (1956–1974), scoring 643 goals in 659 appearances for the club, before a celebrated spell with New York Cosmos (1975–1977) that helped launch football in North America. His career total of 757 goals in 812 appearances is one of sport's most extraordinary statistical records. For Brazil he earned 92 caps, scoring 77 international goals — including 12 in World Cup tournaments across three editions. He scored 92 hat-tricks in his career, won the Copa Libertadores twice and collected 28 major trophies in total. He converted at a rate of approximately one goal per game throughout his entire career. His top speed was recorded at around 30 km/h and he typically covered 10 km per game — extraordinary for a forward of his era. He is the only player to have won three FIFA World Cups as a squad member.

Complete forward with exceptional dribbling, shooting, passing and creativity

Transformed football into a global spectacle and remains the standard by which all players are measured

• FIFA World Cup 1958, 1962, 1970
• Copa Libertadores 1962, 1963
• Intercontinental Cup 1962, 1963
• Campeonato Brasileiro 6x
• NASL Championship 1977
• Ballon d'Or 1958
• FIFA Player of the Century 1999
• IOC Athlete of the Century 1999

Club Career

Club	Period	Apps	Goals	Shirt
Santos FC	1956–1974	659	643	#10
New York Cosmos	1975–1977	114	37	#10
Brazil	—	92	77	—