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Pelé Facts & Worksheets

Pelé was a retired Brazilian football (soccer) legend and is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players in history.

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Pelé, whose full name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, was a retired Brazilian football (soccer) legend and is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players in history. Born on October 23, 1940, in Três Corações, Brazil, Pelé had an illustrious career that spanned from the late 1950s to the 1970s.

See the fact file below for more information about Pelé, or you can download our 24-page Pelé worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

CHILDHOOD

  • Pelé’s father, João Ramos do Nascimento, was a football player, and his mother, Dona Celeste Arantes, also played a role in shaping his early life.
  • Pelé’s passion for football developed at a young age, and he used to play barefoot with a makeshift ball, often using socks or a grapefruit. 
  • His natural talent and skill were evident even in those early years, and it didn’t take long for him to attract attention.
  • Pelé joined the Santos Football Club in São Paulo at the age of 15 in 1956, and by the time he was 16, he made his debut for the Brazilian national team. His incredible performances on the field soon gained him national and international recognition.
  • Pelé’s childhood and early years in football laid the foundation for his legendary career. He went on to become one of the greatest football players of all time, achieving numerous records and accomplishments throughout his illustrious career.

PROFESSIONAL CAREER

  • Pelé’s professional career is synonymous with unparalleled success and numerous records. The Brazilian football legend, born in 1940, burst onto the scene as a 15-year-old with Santos FC in 1956. 
  • Known for his extraordinary skill, goal-scoring prowess, and influence on the pitch, Pelé quickly became the face of Brazilian football.
  • With Santos FC, Pelé won numerous Campeonato Paulista titles, Copa Libertadores titles, and two Intercontinental Cups.
  • His performances for Santos brought international acclaim, and he played a pivotal role in the club’s success.
  • Pelé’s international breakthrough came in the 1958 FIFA World Cup in Sweden. At 17, he became the youngest player to score in a World Cup final, helping Brazil secure their first title. 
  • In the 1962 World Cup, Pelé’s contributions were hindered by injury, but Brazil still won their second consecutive title.
  • Scoring his 1,000th career goal in 1969, Pelé showcased his prolific goal-scoring ability. 
  • His move to the New York Cosmos in 1975 marked a significant chapter in the growth of soccer in the United States, with Pelé playing a crucial role in popularizing the sport.
  • The peak of Pelé’s international success came in the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. Despite facing injuries, he led Brazil to victory, securing their third title. 
  • Pelé officially retired in 1977, leaving an indelible legacy as one of the greatest footballers in history.
  • His career statistics include an estimated total of over 1,000 goals in official matches. Pelé received numerous accolades, including induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 1993 and being named to the FIFA 100 list in 2004. 
  • Pelé’s impact on football remains unparalleled, and his name is synonymous with excellence and inspiration.

IMPACT ON FOOTBALL

  • In the context of Brazilian football, Pelé’s influence is immeasurable. He burst onto the scene with Santos FC at the age of 15, introducing a level of skill and flair that captivated audiences. 
  • With Santos, Pelé won numerous domestic and international titles, making the club a powerhouse in Brazilian and South American football.
  • On the international stage, Pelé played a pivotal role in Brazil’s success in the FIFA World Cup. 
  • His dazzling performances in the 1958, 1962, and 1970 World Cups led Brazil to victory, solidifying the nation’s reputation as a football powerhouse. 
  • Pelé’s ability to score crucial goals, his creativity on the field, and his leadership made him a symbol of Brazilian football excellence.
  • Beyond his contributions on the pitch, Pelé’s move to the New York Cosmos in 1975 had a transformative impact on football in the United States.
  • His presence helped popularize soccer in a country where the sport was still growing, inspiring a new generation of American football enthusiasts.
  • Globally, Pelé’s legacy extends to his advocacy for the universal appeal of football. 
  • He became a global ambassador for the sport, transcending cultural and national boundaries. Pelé’s name became synonymous with the artistry, skill, and joy of playing football.

LIFE AFTER FOOTBALL

  • After retiring from professional football in 1977, Pelé continued to lead a dynamic life, making significant contributions to various fields. Here are key aspects of Pelé’s life after football:
  • Ambassadorial Role: Pelé became a global ambassador for football, using his iconic status to promote the sport worldwide. 
  • He traveled extensively, participating in charitable events, football programs, and initiatives aimed at fostering goodwill through the universal language of soccer.
  • Humanitarian Work: Pelé engaged in numerous humanitarian efforts. He advocated for social causes, including children’s rights, education, and healthcare. Pelé’s charitable work reflected his commitment to making a positive impact beyond the football field.
  • UN Ambassador: In 1994, Pelé was appointed a United Nations Ambassador for Ecology and the Environment. This role demonstrated his dedication to environmental causes, contributing to awareness campaigns and initiatives focused on sustainability.
  • Business Ventures: Pelé ventured into business, leveraging his brand for various endorsements and commercial enterprises. From endorsing products to opening his own line of merchandise, Pelé extended his influence into the business world.
  • Cultural Contributions: Pelé’s influence reached the arts and entertainment. He appeared in documentaries, films, and television shows. 
  • His life story became the subject of books and films, contributing to the cultural legacy of one of football’s greatest icons.

Soccer Administration:

  • Pelé took on roles in soccer administration.
  • He served as Brazil’s Extraordinary Minister for Sport and was involved in various capacities with FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) and the Confederation of Brazilian Football.
  • Health Challenges: In his later years, Pelé faced health challenges, including hip and knee issues, requiring multiple surgeries. Despite these challenges, he remained active in public life and continued to engage with fans around the world.
  • Legacy and Recognition: Pelé’s legacy was celebrated through numerous awards and honors. He received accolades for his contributions to football and society, and his impact continued to be acknowledged globally.

Pelé Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Pelé across 24 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Pelé. Pelé was a retired Brazilian football (soccer) legend and is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players in history.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Pelé Facts 
  2. Player Profile
  3. Pele’s Life
  4. Football Qualities
  5. Pele’s Sport
  6. The Thousandth Goal
  7. Pele Caricature
  8. The Pele Law
  9. Words to Live By
  10. Local Star
  11. Reaching My Goal

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Pelé?

Pelé, whose full name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, is a retired Brazilian football (soccer) player. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Pelé was born on October 23, 1940, in Três Corações, Brazil.

What teams did Pelé play for during his career?

Pelé spent the majority of his club career playing for Santos FC in Brazil, where he achieved tremendous success. In 1975, he joined the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League (NASL) for a brief stint before retiring.

What are Pelé’s major accomplishments in football?

Pelé has an illustrious list of achievements, including winning three FIFA World Cups with Brazil in 1958, 1962, and 1970. He is the only player to have achieved this feat. Pelé also scored over 1,000 career goals, a remarkable milestone that solidifies his status as one of the greatest goal-scorers in the history of football.

What is Pelé’s impact on the sport of football?

Pelé’s impact on football extends beyond his incredible playing career. He played a significant role in popularizing the sport globally, contributing to the global appeal of Brazilian football. Pelé’s charisma and skill on the field helped elevate football to new heights, inspiring generations of players and fans.

How has Pelé been involved in philanthropy and humanitarian efforts?

Pelé has been actively involved in various philanthropic activities throughout his life. He has supported initiatives related to children’s health, education, and poverty alleviation. Pelé has used his status and influence to raise awareness and funds for charitable causes, making a positive impact off the field as well.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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