Sports · Music · Film · 1940–2022
Born: 23 October 1940 · Died: 29 December 2022 · Age at death: 82
Pelé died aged 82. He was born on 23 October 1940 and died on 29 December 2022.
Brazilian footballer who won three World Cups and scored more than 1,000 goals, widely hailed as one of the greatest players ever
Did you know?He was named after the American inventor Thomas Edison, although his parents decided to remove the letter 'i' from the name.
Pelé was the first global superstar of football, and his name became shorthand for brilliance on the pitch. He burst onto the world stage at just 17, scoring twice in the 1958 World Cup final as Brazil won the trophy for the first time. He remains the only player to have won three World Cups. He spent most of his club career with Santos in Brazil, before helping to popularise the sport in the United States with the New York Cosmos. His joyful, creative style of play set the standard for what people call 'the beautiful game'.
Edson Arantes do Nascimento (23 October 1940 – 29 December 2022), better known by his nickname Pelé, was a Brazilian professional footballer who played as a forward. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in history, he was among the most successful and popular sports figures of the 20th century.
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Profile
Brazilian footballer, born 1940
Pelé was born in Três Corações on 23 October 1940.
He won three World Cups with Brazil.
He scored more than 1,000 goals.
He played for Santos and the New York Cosmos.
Career highlights
Did you know?He is the only player to win three World Cups.
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Last reviewed: October 2026