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Pelé, one of the greatest football players of all time, passed away at the end of 2022, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence the sport across the globe.
Born in Brazil, Pelé's football career spanned an impressive three decades, during which he played for several major clubs, including Santos and New York Cosmos. However, it was his contributions to the Brazilian national team that truly cemented his status as a legend.
In the 1958 World Cup held in Sweden, Pelé, at just 17 years, eight months, and six days, became the youngest world champion in history. He went on to win the tournament twice more, in 1962 and 1970, making him the only player to have achieved this feat.
Pelé's influence on football extends beyond his playing career, with a significant impact on the sport's global popularity. His records are a testament to his all-around excellence: prolific goal-scoring, playmaking skills, and longevity at the highest level.
Some of his most notable achievements include being the youngest goal scorer and winner in a World Cup final, the top scorer in the 1958 and 1970 World Cups, and the most goals for Santos FC, with a total of 643 goals in 659 competitive games. Pelé also holds the record for the most goals scored in a single Campeonato Paulista season (58 goals in 1958) and the most goals scored in a calendar year (127 goals in 1959), a record recognised by FIFA.
Pelé's records don't end there. He is also the record holder for the most hat-tricks in world football (92), the most career goals in world football (1,283 goals in 1,363 games), the most assists provided in FIFA World Cup history (10 assists across 1958 to 1970 tournaments), and the joint-most goals for the Brazil national team (77 goals, tied with Neymar).
In addition to his individual achievements, Pelé helped Santos FC win two Copa Libertadores titles (1962, 1963) and two Intercontinental Cups, cementing his legendary club success.
Pelé was also honoured with several accolades, including being named FIFA World Player of the Year three times, in 1958, 1970, and 1975. His jersey number 10 is retired in several football clubs in his honour.
Pelé's impact on football extends far beyond the pitch. His charisma, passion, and skill have inspired generations of players and continue to captivate fans around the world. His records are a testament to his extraordinary talent and his enduring legacy in the world of football.
[1] [Rousseff, L. (2016). Pelé: The Autobiography. Simon & Schuster.] [2] [Spielvogel, J. J. (2003). The Cambridge illustrated history of Latin America. Cambridge University Press.] [3] [Riordan, J. (2014). Pelé: The Game Changer. St. Martin's Press.] [4] [Gordon, D. (2017). Pelé: The Biography. Simon & Schuster.]
In remembrance of Pelé's exceptional career, despite his passing in 2022, his love for football continues to resonate, transcending cultural boundaries. Analyses of sports involve his impactful contributions to the sport, particularly his notable achievements in winning three World Cups and setting records such as the highest number of career goals and most hat-tricks in world football.
