Pelé grew up poor in Brazil and was too young to afford a real soccer ball — so he practiced with a sock stuffed with rags or a grapefruit! That practice paid off: he became the most famous soccer player the world has ever seen.
Quick facts
- Born
- 23 October 1940, Três Corações, Brazil
- Died
- 29 December 2022
- Famous for
- Winning three World Cups for Brazil
- Goals
- Over 1,000 in his career!
🖼️ Photo coming soon
A young champion
Pelé was only 17 when he played in his first World Cup in 1958 — and he scored amazing goals to help Brazil win! Suddenly the whole world knew his name.
Three World Cups
Pelé went on to win the World Cup three times (1958, 1962, and 1970) — no other player has ever done that. He played with such joy and skill that people called soccer "the beautiful game."
A kind hero
Off the field, Pelé was gentle and generous. He used his fame to spread happiness and to help children around the world, becoming a friend to people everywhere.
"Success is no accident. It is hard work and learning from failure." — Pelé
Why we remember him
Pelé shows that big dreams can start small — even with a sock for a ball. His determination is a lot like A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's: work hard, stay humble, and never stop believing.