Pele, by name of Edson Arantes do Nascimento was born on October 23, 1940 in a small city in Brazil called Três Corações “Three Hearts”.("Pelé.") Just before Pele was born, electricity was brought into his family’s house. His parents decided to name him after famous scientist Thomas Edison, the founder of electricity, hence the name Edson. Pele was raised in a poor family and often played soccer with inadequate equipment such as socks stuffed with rags. Pele was inspired to play soccer by his dad who he viewed as the best athlete he had ever seen. However, when Pele’s father tore a ligament in his knee and couldn’t work anymore, there were many financial problems in their family. His mother told him, "Don't play, because your father played and then he got hurt and now he can't provide for the family. Get an education." Pele knew at the time she was right but eventually his mother told him, " You were born to play soccer. You have the talent to play soccer. But you're never going to be a great man unless you go to school and study." Pele says that was the one of the biggest lessons that his mother taught him.(FUSSMAN C. PELÉ)
Beginning Soccer Career
Streets to National Team
Pele's soccer career began by just playing in the streets. He sought and took advice from his father to become a better player. His father would always tell him, "Don't think you are a great player. You need to train hard. You need to be prepared. You need to respect your opponent. Only then will you be able to be a great player."(FUSSMAN C. PELÉ) Pele joined a youth team when he was growing up coached by Waldemar de Brito.("Pelé." Bio. A&E Television Networks) As a former Brazilian national team player, de Brito saw great potential in Pele. Pele was rejected by multiple major league clubs in Sao Paulo State, where he played on his minor league club Bauru.("Pelé.") In 1955, when Pele was 15, de Brito convinced his family to let him try out for the major league club Santos. Pele made the team and signed his contract later that year. He began to practice and play with the regular team right away and scored his first major league goal before he turned 16.("Pelé." Bio. A&E Television Networks)
Beginning Soccer Career
Streets to National Team
Pele's soccer career began by just playing in the streets. He sought and took advice from his father to become a better player. His father would always tell him, "Don't think you are a great player. You need to train hard. You need to be prepared. You need to respect your opponent. Only then will you be able to be a great player."(FUSSMAN C. PELÉ) Pele joined a youth team when he was growing up coached by Waldemar de Brito.("Pelé." Bio. A&E Television Networks) As a former Brazilian national team player, de Brito saw great potential in Pele. Pele was rejected by multiple major league clubs in Sao Paulo State, where he played on his minor league club Bauru.("Pelé.") In 1955, when Pele was 15, de Brito convinced his family to let him try out for the major league club Santos. Pele made the team and signed his contract later that year. He began to practice and play with the regular team right away and scored his first major league goal before he turned 16.("Pelé." Bio. A&E Television Networks)