Pele: The Iconic Football Star

Edison Arantes de Nascimento or Pele was born to Fluminense footballer Dondinho and Maria Celeste Arantes on 23rd October, 1940 in Tres Coracoes, Brazil. The sporting legend who was discovered by Waldemer de Brito is the all time leading scorer of the Brazilian National team. He is also the only footballer. to be the part of World Cup winning squads for three times.Pele started his professional career at the age of 15 by joining the Brazilian club Santos in Sao Paolo. The iconic football star made his debut for Santos against Corinthians on 7 September, 1956. He scored one goal in the match and his team won by 7-1. At the age of 16, he became the top scorer of the league and was asked to join the Brazil National Team.Pele played his first International match on 7 July,In that match Brazil defeated Argentina by 2-1. The genius footballer who was at that time 16 years and 9 months old became the youngest footballer to score in International Football by striking a goal in the match.

The footballer who represented Brazil in four World Cups has scored 1087 goals in 1120 appearances. The “King of Football” who has been included in the list of ” 1oo Most Important People” of the century made his World Cup debut in the year 1958 against USSR. Pele became the youngest player to score a goal in the World Cup. At that time his age was 17 years and 239 days. He scored this goal against Wales in the Quarterfinals. He added one more record in his booty when he became the youngest player to score a hatrick in the World Cup. Brazil was playing against France in the semifinals. On June 19, 1958 he became the youngest footballer to play the final. In this match against Sweden , Pele made two goals and his first goal which was a lob over defender followed by a precise volley shot has been described as “one of the best goals ” in the history of World Cup.

Pele was a inside forward striker and his playing technique was a combination of dribbling, passing, utilizing powerful shots and prolific goal scoring. The position his now known as the “play maker”. In March 161, Pele scored gol de placa( goal worthy of plaque) at Marcana which have been termed as the most beautiful and spectacular goal in the history of Mercana. Pele reached the coveted score of 1000th goals on November 19,1969. The goal which was made against Vasco de Gama occurred when he scored from a penalty kick. This goal has been dubbed as “O Milesimo”(The Thousandth).

The ” National Treasure of Brazil” who retired in the year 1979 is now the official ” Brand Ambassador” of FIFA and dedicates his time in the promotion of the game.