Pele quickly showed his phenomenal skills on the field. By the team he was 16 he had already made his debut on the Brazilian Men's National Team and at 17 helped the team win their first World Cup title in Sweden. The manager decided not to play him for the beginning of the cup, but when he got in he made an immediate difference. He scored a hat-trick in the semifinal against France and two goals in the championship against the home team Sweden, defeating them 5-2.("Pelé.") After the World Cup, the Brazilian government declared Pele a national treasure to make sure that he stayed in Brazil. This made it very hard for Pele to except any offers from wealthy European clubs.
Pele went on the play in the 1962, 1966 and 1970 World Cup. In his second World Cup, Pele tore a thigh muscle and had to sit out for the rest of tournament. That didn't stop the Brazilians from going on to win their second World Cup title. Injuries and rough play brought disaster to the Brazilians and Pele in 1966 when they were knocked out of the cup in the first round. Pele considered retiring but went on to play in the 1970 World Cup and with other young stars Brazil claimed it's 3rd world cup victory. Pele retired from international play with a total of 12 world cup goals in 14 games.("Pelé.")
For club play, Pele stayed at Santos for nearly his whole career. There, Pele won a total of 9 Sau Paulo State championships and in 1962 and 1963 he and his team won both the Libertadores Cup and the Intercontinental Club Cup.("Pelé.") Pele and his team traveled all over the world to play soccer. Pele announced his retirement from club soccer in 1975, but then agreed to a $7 million contract with the New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League (NASL). Pele finished his career in 1977 after leading his team to a league championship. His final game was an exhibition between the Cosmos and Santos where Pele played on both sides. Pele ended his career scoring 1281 goals in 1363 games.("Pelé." Bio. A&E Television Networks)
Soccer Awards
Pele went on the play in the 1962, 1966 and 1970 World Cup. In his second World Cup, Pele tore a thigh muscle and had to sit out for the rest of tournament. That didn't stop the Brazilians from going on to win their second World Cup title. Injuries and rough play brought disaster to the Brazilians and Pele in 1966 when they were knocked out of the cup in the first round. Pele considered retiring but went on to play in the 1970 World Cup and with other young stars Brazil claimed it's 3rd world cup victory. Pele retired from international play with a total of 12 world cup goals in 14 games.("Pelé.")
For club play, Pele stayed at Santos for nearly his whole career. There, Pele won a total of 9 Sau Paulo State championships and in 1962 and 1963 he and his team won both the Libertadores Cup and the Intercontinental Club Cup.("Pelé.") Pele and his team traveled all over the world to play soccer. Pele announced his retirement from club soccer in 1975, but then agreed to a $7 million contract with the New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League (NASL). Pele finished his career in 1977 after leading his team to a league championship. His final game was an exhibition between the Cosmos and Santos where Pele played on both sides. Pele ended his career scoring 1281 goals in 1363 games.("Pelé." Bio. A&E Television Networks)
Soccer Awards
- -In 1980 named Athlete of the Century by French sports publication L'Equipe. ("Pelé.")
- Received same honor in 1999 by international Olympic Committee. ("Pelé.")
- FIFA's co-player of the century in 1999 along with Diego Maradona. ("Pelé." Bio. A&E Television Networks)