Pelé is a retired Brazilian professional footballer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. He is best known for his accomplishments as a member of the Brazil national team, which he helped lead to three World Cup victories, including the 1958 tournament, when he was only 17 years old. Pelé is also the all-time leading goalscorer for Brazil, with 77 goals in 92 appearances.
Throughout his career, Pelé played for a number of club teams, including Santos FC, the New York Cosmos, and the Brazilian team Santos FC. He was known for his exceptional technical skills, speed, and ability to score goals from any position on the field. In addition to his success on the pitch, Pelé is also known for his philanthropy and work as a humanitarian. He has been involved in a number of charitable organizations and causes throughout his life, and has been recognized for his contributions to the sport of soccer and to the world at large.
As a professional footballer, Pelé played for a number of club teams and the Brazilian national team.
Here are some of his career statistics
Club Teams
Santos FC (1956-1974): 656 appearances, 574 goals
New York Cosmos (1975-1977): 56 appearances, 31 goals
Brazil national team: 92 appearances, 77 goals
Major tournaments:
World Cup: 4 appearances (1958, 1962, 1966, 1970), 12 goals
Copa America: 6 appearances (1959, 1963, 1967, 1971), 9 goals
Pelé was a prolific goalscorer throughout his career, and he holds the record for the most goals scored in a single calendar year, with 91 goals in 1958. He also scored over 1,000 goals in his professional career, a feat that has been achieved by only a few other players. In addition to his goalscoring record, Pelé was also known for his exceptional technical skills, creativity, and ability to set up goals for his teammates. He was a key player for both Santos FC and the Brazil national team, and his contributions helped lead both teams to numerous victories and titles.
Pelé scored many memorable goals throughout his career, and it is difficult to select just a few as the best. Here are a few of his most famous goals that have been widely celebrated and remembered:
“The Bicycle Kick” (1958 World Cup quarter-final vs. Wales) – Pelé scored one of the most iconic goals in World Cup history in the 1958 tournament, when he executed a stunning bicycle kick to score against Wales. This goal is often considered one of the greatest in World Cup history.
“The Goal of the Century” (1970 World Cup vs. Italy) – In the 1970 World Cup final, Pelé scored a goal that has been widely regarded as one of the greatest in the history of the tournament. He received a pass from his teammate Rivelino, and then flicked the ball over the head of an Italian defender before volleying it into the back of the net.
“The 500th Goal” (1969 vs. Vasco da Gama) – Pelé scored his 500th goal as a professional in a match against Vasco da Gama in 1969. He received the ball just outside the box and struck a powerful shot that beat the goalkeeper and found the back of the net. This goal was significant because it made Pelé the first player in history to score 500 goals in professional soccer.
These are just a few examples of Pelé’s many memorable goals. He was a prolific goalscorer throughout his career and scored many spectacular goals that have been celebrated and remembered by fans and players alike.