Pele, The Greatest Soccer Player

Two legends in 1 Century: Mese and Pele (R.I.P.)

Introduction

Pele is a name that needs no introduction in the world of soccer. Regarded by many as the greatest soccer player of all time, Pele's career is filled with numerous accolades and achievements. Born in Brazil in 1940, Pele rose to fame as a teenager while playing for Santos, a Brazilian club team. He went on to represent Brazil in four World Cups, leading the team to victory in three of them. In this post, we will explore Pele's background and career, as well as his impact on the sport of soccer and his legacy as the greatest player of all time. Through his impressive skills, unparalleled success, and enduring impact on the sport, Pele has cemented his place as the greatest soccer player of all time.

Early Life and Career

Pele was born Edson Arantes do Nascimento on October 23, 1940, in Tres Coracoes, Brazil. He grew up in a poor neighborhood in the city of Bauru, and soccer was a central part of his childhood. Pele began playing soccer at a young age, and his talent quickly became apparent.

Pele's professional career

Pele's professional career began when he was just 15 years old, signing with Santos, a Brazilian club team. He made his debut for the team in 1956 and quickly became a star player, leading Santos to numerous victories and championships. Pele's success with Santos led to him being called up to the Brazil national team in 1957, and he made his international debut at the age of 16.

 

Some of Pele's key achievements and milestones during this early part of his career include:

·       Leading Santos to the Brazilian championship in 1958, 1962, and 1963

·       Winning the South American Club Championship in 1962 and 1963

·       Being named South American Footballer of the Year in 1958 and 1959

·       Scoring his first international goal for Brazil at the 1958 World Cup, becoming the youngest player to score at the tournament at the age of 17

·       Winning the World Cup with Brazil in 1958, scoring two goals in the final against Sweden

·       Being named Brazilian Footballer of the Year in 1960, 1961, and 1964

·       Peak Years and World Cup Success

Pele's peak years as a soccer player were from the late 1950s to the early 1970s. During this time, he achieved numerous successes both with Santos and the Brazil national team. Some of Pele's most memorable performances during this period include:

·       Leading Santos to the Intercontinental Cup in 1962, scoring two goals in the final against Benfica

·       Winning the World Cup with Brazil in 1962, scoring a hat-trick in the semi-final against Chile and two goals in the final against Czechoslovakia

·       Winning the World Cup with Brazil in 1970, scoring four goals in the tournament and being named the best player of the tournament

·       Pele's individual awards and accolades during his peak years are numerous. Some of the most notable include:

·       Being named South American Footballer of the Year in 1961, 1962, and 1963

·       Being named Brazilian Footballer of the Year in 1961, 1962, and 1963

·       Being named European Footballer of the Year in 1971

·       Being named FIFA World Cup Best Young Player in 1958

·       Being named FIFA World Cup Best Player in 1970

·       Being named FIFA World Cup All-Time Top Scorer in 1970 (with 12 goals)

Pele's success on the world stage helped solidify his reputation as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, and his performances at the World Cup are remembered as some of the most iconic in the tournament's history.

Comparison to Other Great Players

Pele's status as the greatest soccer player of all time is often debated, with many other players being mentioned as contenders for the title. Some of the most common names mentioned in this debate include Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo. So what sets Pele apart from these players and makes him the greatest of all time?

One argument in favor of Pele is his impressive array of skills and abilities. Pele was known for his speed, agility, and dribbling skills, as well as his powerful and accurate shooting. He was also a versatile player who could excel in different positions on the field. These skills helped Pele score a staggering 1,281 goals in 1,363 games, a record that stands to this day.

Pele's statistics and records also support his claim of being the greatest of all time. In addition to his goal-scoring record, Pele won numerous championships and titles at the club and international levels. He is also the only player to have won three World Cups, and he holds the record for the most goals scored in the tournament.

Personal opinions and perspectives from soccer experts and fans also play a role in this debate. Many soccer pundits and former players consider Pele to be the greatest of all time due to his impressive skills, unmatched success, and enduring impact on the sport. Fans of the sport also tend to view Pele as the greatest, with polls and surveys consistently ranking him as the top choice for the title.

Ultimately, the debate over who is the greatest soccer player of all time is subjective and will likely continue for years to come. However, Pele's impressive career and numerous achievements make a strong case for him to be considered the greatest of all time.

Final about Pele

Pele's career as a soccer player is one of the most impressive and influential in the history of the sport. From his early days as a young star with Santos to his World Cup victories with Brazil, Pele consistently demonstrated his exceptional skills and abilities on the field. His record-breaking goal-scoring feats and numerous accolades speak to his greatness as a player.

Pele's impact on soccer extends beyond his personal accomplishments. His charisma and personality made him a global ambassador for the sport, and he has continued to be a prominent figure in the soccer world even after his retirement. Pele's legacy is evident in the countless players who have been inspired by him and in the enduring popularity of soccer around the world.

In conclusion, Pele's career highlights and impact on soccer make a strong case for him being considered the greatest soccer player of all time. His skills, success, and enduring influence have cemented his place in the pantheon of soccer greats and will likely continue to be celebrated for years to come.

Pele’s death and net worth

Pele passed away on November 3, 2020, at the age of 80. The cause of death was not disclosed, but it was reported that he had been hospitalized for a urinary tract infection and had recently undergone surgery for prostate cancer. Pele's death was met with widespread mourning, with tributes and condolences coming from all corners of the soccer world.

At the time of his death, Pele's net worth was estimated to be around $100 million. This wealth was largely accumulated through his successful career as a soccer player, as well as his endorsement deals and business ventures. Pele was known for his lucrative contracts with major brands and his involvement in various business ventures, including a partnership with Hublot to produce a line of watches bearing his name.