Talk with Pele

Pelé, born Edson Arantes do Nascimento on October 23, 1940, in Três Corações, Brazil, is widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time. Known for his impressive skills, powerful shots, and exceptional field vision, Pelé's influence extends far beyond the realm of soccer.

He began his professional career at the age of 15 with Santos FC and quickly gained fame for his outstanding performances. Throughout his career, he scored over 1,000 professional goals, a feat that contributed to his global reputation as a legendary figure in sports. Pelé won three FIFA World Cups with Brazil, in 1958, 1962, and 1970, the only player ever to do so, and was instrumental in Brazil's dominance in international soccer during his era.

After retiring from Brazilian club soccer in 1974, he played for the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League (NASL) to help raise the profile of soccer in the United States. Beyond his athletic achievements, Pelé has been a prominent advocate for overcoming poverty and an ambassador for peace and goodwill across various platforms, including his role with the United Nations.

His awards and honors are numerous, including the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball, FIFA Player of the Century (shared with Diego Maradona), and the International Olympic Committee's Athlete of the Century. Recognized for his contributions both on and off the field, Pelé's legacy as "The King of Football" remains influential in the world of sports.

Pelé retired from international football in 1971 at the age of 30. His final game for Brazil was on July 18, 1971, against Yugoslavia. He had a storied career with Brazil's national team, winning three FIFA World Cups in 1958, 1962, and 1970.

Pelé's full name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento.

Pelé scored his 1000th goal on November 19, 1969. This historic goal was achieved during a match between Pelé's team, Santos, and Vasco da Gama at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The goal was scored from a penalty kick, marking a major milestone in his illustrious career.

Pelé was renowned for his exceptional skills on the soccer field, with several signature moves that showcased his agility, precision, and creativity. Some of these include:

1. Bicycle Kick (Chilena): Perhaps one of the most spectacular moves in soccer, the bicycle kick is where the player kicks the ball airborne and backwards over their own head. Pelé executed this move with phenomenal grace and power, often leaving audiences and opponents stunned.

2. The Dribble: Pelé's dribbling ability was legendary. He could maneuver the ball past multiple defenders with ease. His dribble was not just about speed; it was about his agility to change directions swiftly and his technique to maintain close control under pressure.

3. The Pelé Run Around Move: Also known as the "dummy" move, Pelé often used this technique to deceive defenders about his intentions. He would run towards the ball as if to play it, then let it roll through his legs, deceiving the defenders, before accelerating away towards the ball. This move required perfect timing and execution.

4. Chest Control and Volley: Pelé had an exceptional ability to control high and fast-approaching balls using his chest. He would often cushion the ball perfectly into his path and then continue with a volley or a precise pass.

These moves, combined with his overall playing style, intelligence, and knack for scoring, made Pelé a formidable player whose skills are celebrated in the annals of soccer history.

Pelé played a significant role in popularizing football (soccer) in the United States during the 1970s. Before his arrival, soccer was not nearly as popular in the U.S. as in other parts of the world. In 1975, Pelé signed with the New York Cosmos, which was part of the North American Soccer League (NASL). This move was groundbreaking as Pelé was one of the most famous and accomplished football players globally.

His presence in the NASL brought unprecedented media attention and public interest to the league and the sport in general across the United States. His skill, charisma, and reputation helped draw large crowds to stadiums, significantly increasing the profile and commercial appeal of soccer in the country. Matches were televised more frequently, and the sport's following grew among American fans.

Moreover, Pelé's influence extended beyond just match attendance and viewership. He played a vital role in inspiring young athletes and increasing youth participation in soccer. His impact helped lay the foundation for the sport's growing popularity, which has since culminated in a much more robust soccer culture in the U.S., seen in the success of Major League Soccer and the increased popularity of international soccer competitions.

Pelé played for two major clubs during his professional football career. He spent the majority of his career at Santos FC in Brazil, where he played from 1956 to 1974. After retiring from Santos, he came out of retirement to play for the New York Cosmos in the United States from 1975 to 1977. These two clubs were the only ones Pelé represented in official matches during his professional career.

Pele scored a total of 1,281 goals in 1,363 games during his professional career, including unofficial friendlies and tour games. This tally makes him one of the highest-scoring footballers in the history of the sport.

Pele won three FIFA World Cup titles. He achieved this feat in 1958, 1962, and 1970, making him the only player to have won three World Cups in the history of the tournament.

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