Remarkable photos from the incredible life and career of world soccer icon Pelé

Alan DawsonDec 31, 2022, 19:51 IST

Getty/Art Rickerby

Pelé, one of the world's most beloved sporting figures, died Thursday.
He remains the only athlete to win three World Cups, but his fame transcended soccer.

Pelé was born on October 23, 1940 and grew up in poverty around the favelas of Tres Coracoes in the State of Minas Gerais.

An early photo of Pele.Photo by Getty Images

Pelé's father Joao Ramos do Nascimento, nicknamed Dondinho, was a footballer. His mother, Celeste Arantes, is still alive at 100 years old and lives in Santos.

Named after Thomas Edison, Pele's full name was Edson Arantes do Nascimento. He had many nicknames over the years, and it took him a while to warm to Pelé.

Thomas Edison.Photo by Getty Images

Dondinho's love of soccer passed down to his son, but a young Pelé couldn't afford a football. Instead, he stuffed a sock with newspapers, bound it with string, and kicked that around the streets in which he grew up.

A teenage Pele at home in the 1950s.Photo by Getty Images

Dondinho's love of soccer passed down to his son, but a young Pelé couldn't afford a football. Instead, he stuffed a sock with newspapers, bound it with string, and kicked that around the streets in which he grew up.

Pelé was scoring goals for Santos against grown adults when he was only 15 years old. He scored an overall total that exceeded 1,200 by the time his career was done, according to FIFA.

Pele at Santos.Photo by Getty Images

Pelé was scoring goals for Santos against grown adults when he was only 15 years old. He scored an overall total that exceeded 1,200 by the time his career was done, according to FIFA.

Pelé became the youngest person to play at the FIFA World Cup when he competed at the 1958 tournament in Sweden at age 17.

Pele at 1958 World Cup.Photo by Getty Images

Despite his World Cup heroics, Pelé was selected to join the army and could not get out of it as he was the most famous teenager in his country.

Pelé at Santos 1969Photo by Getty Images

Despite injury, Pelé played two games at the 1962 World Cup and won his second championship — a successful defense for the 'Selecao'.

Pelé after 1962 World Cup final win.Photo by Getty Images

Later, Pelé married Rosemeri dos Reis Cholby, in 1966, his first of what would be three marriages.

Pele married Rosemeri dos Reis Cholby in 1966.Photo by Getty Images

Pelé and Rosemeri spent their honeymoon in Germany and were treated like a celebrity couple by local media in Europe.

Pelé and his wife on honeymoon in Germany.Photo by Getty Images

Pele and Rosemeri had three children together, including daughter Kelly Cristina, pictured below.

Pelé's wife Rose do Nascimento with their daughter Kelly Cristina in 1969.Photo by Getty Images

Another of Pelé's children with Rosemeri, a son called Edson Cholbi Nascimento, aka Edinho, was sentenced in 2014 to 33 years in prison for laundering money for drug traffickers.

Pele and his son Edson, aka Edinho.Photo by Getty Images

Another of Pelé's children with Rosemeri, a son called Edson Cholbi Nascimento, aka Edinho, was sentenced in 2014 to 33 years in prison for laundering money for drug traffickers.

Pelé scored his 1,000th goal in November 19, 1969. Hundreds of fans raced onto the pitch and it took half an hour for the match to resume. November 19 later became known as "Pelé Day" in Santos.

Pele scored his 1,000th goal in 1969.Photo by Getty Images

Pelé scored his 1,000th goal in November 19, 1969. Hundreds of fans raced onto the pitch and it took half an hour for the match to resume. November 19 later became known as "Pelé Day" in Santos.

One of Pele's best performances came at the 1970 World Cup.

Pele 1970 World Cup.Photo by Getty Images

Pelé played most of his club-level career for Santos, but he joined New York Cosmos in 1975 and helped elevate the game in the States.

Pelé after his final game for NY Cosmos vs. Santos in 1977.Photo by Getty Images

Pelé's net worth grew to approximately $100 million, but he made most of his money off the soccer field, signing endorsement deals with Coca-Cola, Subway, and Viagra.

Pelé signs a contract.Photo by Getty Images

Pelé's net worth grew to approximately $100 million, but he made most of his money off the soccer field, signing endorsement deals with Coca-Cola, Subway, and Viagra.

Further proof of Pelé's transcendence was his appearance in smash-hit movies like "Escape to Victory," in which he starred alongside Sylvester Stallone.

Sylvester Stallone and Pelé.Photo by Getty Images

Pelé won admiration from all around the world before and after his retirement in 1977. "Pelé was the most complete player I've ever seen," Bobby Moore said of his rival. "He had everything."

Bobby Moore and Pelé in 1970.Photo by Getty Images

Pelé won admiration from all around the world before and after his retirement in 1977. "Pelé was the most complete player I've ever seen," Bobby Moore said of his rival. "He had everything."

Muhammad Ali, who attended Pelé's final match in 1977, was also blown away by soccer's greatest.

Muhammad Ali and Pelé.Photo by Getty Images

Long after Pelé's retirement, Cristiano Ronaldo — a modern-day sports superstar — said: "Pelé is the greatest player in football history, and there will only be one Pelé."

Cristiano Ronaldo and Pelé in 2008.Photo by Getty Images

Long after Pelé's retirement, Cristiano Ronaldo — a modern-day sports superstar — said: "Pelé is the greatest player in football history, and there will only be one Pelé."

Pelé even inspired the artist Andy Warhol, who said: "Pelé was one of the few who contradicted my theory: Instead of 15 minutes of fame, he will have 15 centuries."

Pele inspired the artist Andy Warhol.Photo by Getty Images

Pelé even inspired the artist Andy Warhol, who said: "Pelé was one of the few who contradicted my theory: Instead of 15 minutes of fame, he will have 15 centuries."

In 1993, Pelé broke governmental barriers when he was named Minister of Sports for Brazil. It was a post that had never been occupied by a Black man before, according to Yahoo.

Pele named minister of Sport in Brazil in 1994.Photo by Getty Images

In 1993, Pelé broke governmental barriers when he was named Minister of Sports for Brazil. It was a post that had never been occupied by a Black man before, according to Yahoo.

The next year, he married his second wife, Assiria Lemos Seixas, a psychologist and gospel singer. They had twins — Joshua and Celeste — two years later.

Pele second wife.Photo by Getty Images

Pelé used his celebrity status for good and advocated for numerous causes. He campaigned for poverty reduction, environmental protection, and raised millions of dollars for charities that helped children, like Great Ormond Street and Harlem Street Soccer. He was UNESCO's champion for sport from 1994.

Pelé used his celebrity status for good.Photo by AP

Pelé used his celebrity status for good and advocated for numerous causes. He campaigned for poverty reduction, environmental protection, and raised millions of dollars for charities that helped children, like Great Ormond Street and Harlem Street Soccer. He was UNESCO's champion for sport from 1994.

Away from soccer, Pelé had a love for designer clothes and flashy cars.

He loved to drive a Volkswagen Beetle — a classic in today's automotive market.

Pelé with his Volkswagen Beetle in 1960.Photo by Getty Images

Pelé even waved the checkered flag at a 2002 F1 race that Michael Schumacher won. Pelé championed his nation's racers, like the late Ayrton Senna and Felipe Massa.

Pele waves final flag to F1 champ Michael Schumacher at Interlagos race track 2002 in Sao Paulo.Photo by Getty Images

Pelé even waved the checkered flag at a 2002 F1 race that Michael Schumacher won. Pelé championed his nation's racers, like the late Ayrton Senna and Felipe Massa.

An avid guitar player, Pelé fancied himself as a musician. "If I wasn't a footballer I think I would compose music and sing," he once said.

Pelé 1970 music, played guitar, bossa nostraPhoto by Getty Images

Pelé was named Athlete of the Century by the IOC in 1999 for his exploits in soccer from the 1950s to the 1970s.

Pelé named Athlete of the Century in 1999.Photo by Getty Images

Pelé is credited with breaking the taboo surrounding erectile dysfunction because of his ambassador role for anti-impotency awareness, and Pfizer's drug Viagra.

Pelé with a certificate as an education ambassador for anti-impotency awareness and Pfizer's Viagra cure in 2002.Photo by Getty Images

Pelé has a ranking and potential of 98 (out of 100) on the popular FIFA video game series. In the latest edition of the game, FIFA 23, it is the highest rank Icon card in the entire game.

Pelé at an Electronic Arts press event in 2015. EA is responsible for the wildly popular FIFA soccer video games.Photo by Getty Images

Pelé has a ranking and potential of 98 (out of 100) on the popular FIFA video game series. In the latest edition of the game, FIFA 23, it is the highest rank Icon card in the entire game.

Pelé held court with at least five US presidents and kicked a football around with Gerald Ford in 1975 …

Pele and Gerald Ford in 1975.Photo by Getty Images

… talked soccer with Jimmy Carter later that decade …

Pele and Ronald Reagan in 1982.Photo by Getty Images

… was back on the White House lawns in 1982, this time with Ronald Reagan …

Pele and Ronald Reagan in 1982.Photo by Getty Images

… did the same with Bill Clinton in the 1990s …

Pele and Bill Clinton in 1990sPhoto by Getty Images

… and frequently met, and praised, Barack Obama.

Pelé met numerous other world leaders and even developed a strong bond with Nelson Mandela.

Pelé and Nelson Mandela.Photo by Getty Images

He also met Pope Benedict XVI in 2005 …

Pele and Pope Benedict XVI, in 2005Photo by Getty Images

… and Russia President Vladimir Putin in 2017.

Pele and Putin 2017Photo by Getty Images

In 2016, Pelé, at 75, married his third wife, Marcia Aoki, a Japanese-Brazilian importer of medical equipment.

Pele and his third wife Marcia Aoki in 2016.Photo by Getty Images

Pelé's health declined in his latter years. In 2021 he had a tumor removed from his colon.

Pelé.Photo by Getty Images

Pelé died on December 29, 2022 "due to multiple organ failures resulting from the progression of colon cancer associated with his previous medical condition," according to a statement from the hospital that was treating him.

Pele 1940 to 2022Photo by Getty Images

Pelé died on December 29, 2022 "due to multiple organ failures resulting from the progression of colon cancer associated with his previous medical condition," according to a statement from the hospital that was treating him.

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Remarkable photos from the incredible life and career of world soccer icon Pelé

Pelé was born on October 23, 1940 and grew up in poverty around the favelas of Tres Coracoes in the State of Minas Gerais.

Pelé's father Joao Ramos do Nascimento, nicknamed Dondinho, was a footballer. His mother, Celeste Arantes, is still alive at 100 years old and lives in Santos.

Named after Thomas Edison, Pele's full name was Edson Arantes do Nascimento. He had many nicknames over the years, and it took him a while to warm to Pelé.

Dondinho's love of soccer passed down to his son, but a young Pelé couldn't afford a football. Instead, he stuffed a sock with newspapers, bound it with string, and kicked that around the streets in which he grew up.

Pelé was scoring goals for Santos against grown adults when he was only 15 years old. He scored an overall total that exceeded 1,200 by the time his career was done, according to FIFA.

Pelé became the youngest person to play at the FIFA World Cup when he competed at the 1958 tournament in Sweden at age 17.

Despite his World Cup heroics, Pelé was selected to join the army and could not get out of it as he was the most famous teenager in his country.

Despite injury, Pelé played two games at the 1962 World Cup and won his second championship — a successful defense for the 'Selecao'.

Later, Pelé married Rosemeri dos Reis Cholby, in 1966, his first of what would be three marriages.

Pelé and Rosemeri spent their honeymoon in Germany and were treated like a celebrity couple by local media in Europe.

Pele and Rosemeri had three children together, including daughter Kelly Cristina, pictured below.

Another of Pelé's children with Rosemeri, a son called Edson Cholbi Nascimento, aka Edinho, was sentenced in 2014 to 33 years in prison for laundering money for drug traffickers.

Pelé scored his 1,000th goal in November 19, 1969. Hundreds of fans raced onto the pitch and it took half an hour for the match to resume. November 19 later became known as "Pelé Day" in Santos.

One of Pele's best performances came at the 1970 World Cup.

Pelé played most of his club-level career for Santos, but he joined New York Cosmos in 1975 and helped elevate the game in the States.

Pelé's net worth grew to approximately $100 million, but he made most of his money off the soccer field, signing endorsement deals with Coca-Cola, Subway, and Viagra.

Further proof of Pelé's transcendence was his appearance in smash-hit movies like "Escape to Victory," in which he starred alongside Sylvester Stallone.

Pelé won admiration from all around the world before and after his retirement in 1977. "Pelé was the most complete player I've ever seen," Bobby Moore said of his rival. "He had everything."

Muhammad Ali, who attended Pelé's final match in 1977, was also blown away by soccer's greatest.

Long after Pelé's retirement, Cristiano Ronaldo — a modern-day sports superstar — said: "Pelé is the greatest player in football history, and there will only be one Pelé."

Pelé even inspired the artist Andy Warhol, who said: "Pelé was one of the few who contradicted my theory: Instead of 15 minutes of fame, he will have 15 centuries."

In 1993, Pelé broke governmental barriers when he was named Minister of Sports for Brazil. It was a post that had never been occupied by a Black man before, according to Yahoo.

The next year, he married his second wife, Assiria Lemos Seixas, a psychologist and gospel singer. They had twins — Joshua and Celeste — two years later.

Away from soccer, Pelé had a love for designer clothes and flashy cars.

He loved to drive a Volkswagen Beetle — a classic in today's automotive market.

Pelé even waved the checkered flag at a 2002 F1 race that Michael Schumacher won. Pelé championed his nation's racers, like the late Ayrton Senna and Felipe Massa.

An avid guitar player, Pelé fancied himself as a musician. "If I wasn't a footballer I think I would compose music and sing," he once said.

Pelé was named Athlete of the Century by the IOC in 1999 for his exploits in soccer from the 1950s to the 1970s.

Pelé is credited with breaking the taboo surrounding erectile dysfunction because of his ambassador role for anti-impotency awareness, and Pfizer's drug Viagra.

Pelé has a ranking and potential of 98 (out of 100) on the popular FIFA video game series. In the latest edition of the game, FIFA 23, it is the highest rank Icon card in the entire game.

Pelé held court with at least five US presidents and kicked a football around with Gerald Ford in 1975 …

… talked soccer with Jimmy Carter later that decade …

… was back on the White House lawns in 1982, this time with Ronald Reagan …

… did the same with Bill Clinton in the 1990s …

… and frequently met, and praised, Barack Obama.

Pelé met numerous other world leaders and even developed a strong bond with Nelson Mandela.

He also met Pope Benedict XVI in 2005 …

… and Russia President Vladimir Putin in 2017.

In 2016, Pelé, at 75, married his third wife, Marcia Aoki, a Japanese-Brazilian importer of medical equipment.

Pelé's health declined in his latter years. In 2021 he had a tumor removed from his colon.

Pelé died on December 29, 2022 "due to multiple organ failures resulting from the progression of colon cancer associated with his previous medical condition," according to a statement from the hospital that was treating him.