Edson Arantes do Nascimento (23 October 1940 – 29 December 2022), popularly known as Pele, is a name etched in the annals of football history. Born on October 23, 1940, in Três Corações, Brazil, Pele transcended the sport, leaving an indelible mark on generations of fans. In this article, Let’s delve into Pele and his Net Worth, early years, career, personal life, awards, and achievements.

Pele Net Worth

Early Years

Pele’s upbringing was humble. Growing up in poverty-affected Bauru, Sao Paulo, he honed his football skills with a makeshift ball made from socks and newspaper. His father, Dondinho, a former footballer, played a pivotal role in shaping Pele’s destiny. The mispronunciation of a goalkeeper’s name led to the moniker “Pele,” which stuck throughout his life. Despite financial constraints, Pele’s talent shone brightly, catching the eye of local teams and eventually Santos FC.

Career

In 1956, Pelé’s journey to stardom began when he was scouted by Waldemar de Brito and brought to Santos FC for a trial. Impressing coach Lula, he signed his first professional contract at just 15 years old. Pelé’s senior team debut came in 1956, and within a year, he became the top scorer in the league at the age of 16. His exceptional talent quickly attracted attention from wealthy European clubs, but Santos fiercely protected him, even prompting the Brazilian government to declare him an official national treasure in 1961.

Pelé’s career at Santos was marked by numerous successes, including winning the Campeonato Paulista and Torneio Rio-São Paulo titles. He led Santos to victory in the Copa Libertadores in 1962, securing the club’s first title in the prestigious tournament. Pelé’s remarkable performances on the field, including a memorable hat-trick in the Intercontinental Cup against Benfica, solidified his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

Throughout his career, Pelé scored many memorable goals, including one against Clube Atlético Juventus in 1959, which he considers his most memorable, and the famous “gol de placa” against Fluminense in 1961. His achievements with Santos also extended to international competitions, with Pelé playing a crucial role in Santos’ victories in the Copa Libertadores and Taça Brasil.

In 1975, Pelé transitioned to the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League (NASL), where he continued to make a significant impact on and off the field. Despite being past his prime, Pelé’s arrival in the US helped boost interest in soccer and paved the way for other international stars to join the league.

International

Pelé’s international career with the Brazilian national team is equally legendary. He made his debut at just 16 years old and quickly became a key player for Brazil. Pelé’s performances in the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, where he became the youngest player to score in a World Cup final, and the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, where he led Brazil to victory and received the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, cemented his legacy as a football icon.

Pelé’s impact extended beyond the field, with his charisma and talent transcending borders and inspiring millions around the world. His contributions to the sport earned him numerous accolades and honors, including being named FIFA World Player of the Century in 1999. Pelé’s legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time continues to endure, with his influence felt across generations of players and fans alike.

Personal Life

In 1966, Pelé tied the knot with Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi, with whom he had two daughters, Kely Cristina and Jennifer, and one son, Edson (“Edinho”). However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1982. Edinho, Pelé’s son, faced legal troubles and was sentenced to 33 years in jail for money laundering related to drug trafficking in May 2014, though the sentence was later reduced on appeal.

Following his divorce, Pelé was romantically linked with TV presenter Xuxa from 1981 to 1986. In April 1994, he married psychologist and gospel singer Assíria Lemos Seixas, and they had twins, Joshua and Celeste, through fertility treatments in September 1996. However, they also eventually divorced in 2008.

Pelé fathered at least two more children from extramarital affairs. One of them, Sandra Machado, born from an affair in 1964, fought for recognition for years, with Pelé initially refusing DNA tests. However, he eventually agreed to the test, confirming her paternity. Unfortunately, Sandra Machado passed away from cancer in 2006.

At the age of 73, Pelé announced his intention to marry Marcia Aoki, whom he had been dating since 2010. They had initially met in the mid-1980s in New York and reconnected in 2008. The couple eventually married in July 2016.

Awards and Achievements

Pelé’s remarkable career spans numerous achievements in both club and international football. He began his journey with São Paulo, contributing to their victory in the Campeonato Brasileiro de Seleções Estaduais in 1959. However, it was with Santos that Pelé truly made his mark, securing multiple Campeonato Brasileiro Série A titles, Copa Libertadores trophies, Intercontinental Cups, and numerous Campeonato Paulista championships throughout the 1960s. Later, his time at the New York Cosmos saw him claim the North American Soccer League Soccer Bowl and Atlantic Conference Championship in 1977.

Internationally, Pelé’s prowess shone brightly as he led the Brazilian national team to triumph in three FIFA World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970), along with victory in various other international tournaments.

Individually, Pelé earned numerous prestigious awards, including sharing the FIFA Player of the Century with Maradona, winning multiple Ballon d’Or titles, and being named the BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year. His individual records are equally impressive, with most goals, hat-tricks, and assists in competitions such as the FIFA World Cup and Campeonato Paulista.

Pelé’s legacy is also marked by notable records, including the most goals for Brazil and Santos, most hat-tricks in world football, and being the youngest winner of a FIFA World Cup. Additionally, he holds various FIFA World Cup records, such as being the only player to score in four different tournaments and providing the most assists in FIFA World Cup history.

Death

In 2021, Pelé was diagnosed with colon cancer, leading to surgery and subsequent rounds of chemotherapy. However, in early 2022, metastasis was detected in his intestine, lung, and liver. His health further deteriorated when he was admitted to the hospital in São Paulo due to a respiratory infection after contracting COVID-19. Despite medical efforts, Pelé’s condition worsened, and on December 3, 2022, it was reported that he had become unresponsive to chemotherapy, necessitating palliative care.

On December 21, 2022, the hospital announced that Pelé’s tumor had advanced, requiring increased care for renal and cardiac dysfunctions. His death occurred on December 29, 2022, due to multiple organ failure resulting from colon cancer. Tributes poured in from current players, sports figures, celebrities, and world leaders, with Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro declaring a three-day period of national mourning. FIFA also honored Pelé by flying flags at half-mast at its headquarters.

Pelé’s funeral was a monumental event, with his body displayed in an open coffin draped with the flags of Brazil and Santos FC at Vila Belmiro stadium in Santos. Thousands of fans attended the public wake, with some waiting in line for hours to pay their respects. The funeral procession saw over 230,000 people in attendance, many wearing jerseys honoring Pelé’s legacy. Notable figures such as FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva were present. Pelé was ultimately laid to rest at the Memorial Necrópole Ecumênica.

In March 2023, Kigali Pelé Stadium in Rwanda was renamed in his honor by Rwandan president Paul Kagame and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Additionally, in April 2023, the nickname “Pelé” became synonymous with exceptionalism and uniqueness in the Michaelis Portuguese-language dictionary following a campaign with 125,000 signatories.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pele

1. When was Pele born?

He was born on October 23, 1940, in Três Corações, Brazil.

2. What is Pele’s full name?

His full name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento.

3. How many World Cups did Pele win?

He won the FIFA World Cup three times with the Brazilian national team, in 1958, 1962, and 1970.

4. What team did Pele play for?

He played for Santos FC in Brazil for most of his club career. He also played for the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League.

5. What is Pele’s net worth?

His net worth is around $100 million.

6. What awards has Pele won?

He has won numerous awards, including FIFA World Player of the Century, Ballon d’Or, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

7. How many children does Pele have?

He has seven children including Edinho, Sandra Regina Arantes do, Joshua, Celeste, Kelly Cristina, Jennifer and Flávia Christina Kurtz Nascimento.

8. How tall is Pele?

He is approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall.

9. Who is Pele?

He is a legendary Brazilian football icon. Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, his impact on the sport is immeasurable.

10. What is Pele’s nationality?

He is Brazilian.

11. What position did Pele play?

He primarily played as a forward or striker during his football career.

12. What is Pele’s legacy in football?

He is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

Conclusion

Pele’s legacy transcends statistics; it embodies passion, resilience, and the joy of the beautiful game. As we celebrate his remarkable journey, we honor the man who forever changed football’s landscape.