Pele, born on October 23, 1940, is celebrated for his talent and ingenuity on the pitch. Many people say that he has made football a bridge that connects people from around the world regardless of race, religion, culture and socio-economic status.
Throughout his career, he has won three World Cup tournaments for Brazil and 10 league titles with Santos FC, his first club, as well as the 1977 North American Soccer League championship with New York Cosmos. After coming out of retirement at the age of 34, he spent three seasons with the New York Cosmos to promote soccer in the United States.
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In his 21 years as a professional football player, Pele – born Edson Arantes do Nascimento – has produced 1,283 goals in 1,367 professional matches, including 77 goals for the Brazilian national team. (un)