Edson Arantes do Nascimento
- Born:
- October 23, 1940, Três Corações, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Died:
- December 29, 2022, São Paulo, Brazil
- Nationality:
- Brazilian
- Profession(s):
- Professional Footballer (Forward), Actor
Early Life and Education
- Born to Dondinho (João Ramos do Nascimento), also a footballer, and Celeste Arantes.
- Learned football from his father and played for several amateur teams as a youth.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his professional career with Santos FC in 1956 at the age of 15.
- Played for Santos FC (1956-1974) and New York Cosmos (1975-1977).
- Won three FIFA World Cups with Brazil: 1958, 1962, and 1970.
- Scored over 1,000 career goals, a feat recognized worldwide.
- Won numerous club titles with Santos FC, including two Copa Libertadores titles and two Intercontinental Cups.
Notable Works
Football Achievements
- Holds the Guinness World Record for most career goals scored in football (1,279 goals).
- FIFA Player of the Century (shared with Diego Maradona).
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Escape to Victory | Corporal Luis Fernandez |
| 1983 | A Minor Miracle | Himself |
| 1986 | Hotshot | Himself |
Legacy and Impact
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, widely known as Pelé, is regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. His remarkable skill, prolific goal-scoring record, and three World Cup victories cemented his status as a global icon and inspired generations of footballers. The name of Pelé became synonymous with footballing excellence, and his influence extended beyond the sport into popular culture. Any "ardido pele biography" will invariably highlight his unparalleled contributions to the beautiful game.