On 23 October 1940, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known to the world as Pelé, was born in Três Corações, Brazil. From humble beginnings, he would become one of the most celebrated sportsmen in history, winning three FIFA World Cups and transforming football into a global spectacle. Today marks the 86th anniversary of his birth.
From poverty to international fame
Pelé grew up in modest circumstances in Bauru, São Paulo state. His father, João Ramos do Nascimento, known as Dondinho, was a footballer who encouraged his son’s interest in the game.
Unable to afford proper equipment, the young Pelé reportedly practised with makeshift footballs made from socks and rags. His extraordinary ability soon attracted attention, and in 1956, aged just 15, he joined Santos Futebol Clube.
Within two years, he would become an international sensation.
A teenage World Cup champion
At the 1958 FIFA World Cup in Sweden, Pelé announced himself to the world. Just 17 years old, he scored six goals during the tournament, including two in Brazil’s 5–2 victory over Sweden in the final.
Brazil won its first World Cup, and Pelé became the youngest player ever to win the competition.
He would collect further titles in 1962 and 1970, becoming the only footballer to win three men’s World Cups.
His performance in Mexico in 1970, alongside Jairzinho, Tostão, Gérson and Carlos Alberto, helped establish that Brazilian team as one of the greatest in football history.
More than a footballer
Pelé’s achievements extended beyond international tournaments. During nearly two decades with Santos, he helped the club secure numerous domestic and international titles, including two Copa Libertadores championships.
In 1975, he joined the New York Cosmos, bringing unprecedented attention to professional football in the United States.
His career scoring total is often quoted as more than 1,200 goals, although that figure includes friendly and exhibition matches.
Pelé retired in 1977 but remained a prominent international ambassador for football, education and humanitarian causes.
An enduring global legacy
Pelé died in São Paulo on 29 December 2022, aged 82.
His influence extended far beyond the football pitch. At a time when international television was connecting distant societies, he became a symbol of Brazilian identity, sporting excellence and the possibility of overcoming social disadvantage.
Few athletes have represented their country so powerfully or contributed so significantly to the international popularity of their sport.
Eighty-six years after his birth, Pelé remains an enduring symbol of football’s ability to unite people across cultures, generations and continents.
NewsHub Finance | History | 23 October 2026
On 23 October 1940, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known to the world as Pelé, was born in Três Corações, Brazil. From humble beginnings, he would become one of the most celebrated sportsmen in history, winning three FIFA World Cups and transforming football into a global spectacle. Today marks the 86th anniversary of his birth.
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