Why Pelé Is Still the Greatest Footballer of All Time – Stats, Titles and Legacy

When people talk about the greatest footballer ever, one name always comes up, Pelé. Pelé was born in 1940 in Três Corações, Brazil, and was named Edson Arantes do Nascimento. Pelé changed football forever, even decades after his retirement, he is still considered by many as the greatest footballer of all time. Here’s why. 

Incredible Career Stats 

Pelé’s numbers are almost unbelievable. He scored 1,281 goals in 1,363 matches, including friendlies and unofficial games. He scored 643 goals in 659 official games for his club, Santos FC. Pelé was only 17 years old when he won his first World Cup in 1958, and he scored a hat-trick in the semifinal and two goals in the final. 

In total, Pelé scored 77 goals in 92 matches for Brazil, which made him the country’s top scorer until Neymar matched it in 2022. He had the ability to score with both feet and was also great in the air. 

Pelé’s Career Stats – At a Glance

Three-Time World Cup Champion 

He remains the only footballer to have won the FIFA World Cup three times. Pelé lifted the trophy in 1958 (Sweden), 1962 (Chile), and 1970 (Mexico). In 1958, he became the youngest player to ever score in a World Cup final at just 17 years and 239 days. 

The 1970 World Cup is considered his best, where Brazil played beautiful attacking football. Pelé scored 4 goals and set up several more, including an assist in the final against Italy, where Brazil won 4-1. 

Also read: Top 7 Wicketkeepers with Most Test Centuries in Cricket History – Full List (Updated)

Titles and Trophies 

Pelé helped Santos FC become one of the best clubs in the world. With Santos, he won:

• 2 Copa Libertadores titles (1962, 1963) 
• 6 Brazilian league titles 
• 2 Intercontinental Cups (beating top European teams) 

With Brazil, apart from the 3 World Cups, he also won the Copa Roca and Taça das Nações. His success on both club and international level is unmatched. 

Global Impact on Football 

Pelé was not just a great player, he was a global icon. He introduced Brazilian football to a global audience. At a time when television was growing, Pelé became the face of football for people in every country. 

He was known for his fair play, sportsmanship, and love for the game. He never showed off or disrespected opponents. He made football popular in the United States too, playing for New York Cosmos at the end of his career. 

Legacy and Recognition 

In 2000, Pelé was honored as FIFA’s Player of the Century, a title he shared with Diego Maradona. He was also listed as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and received the FIFA Ballon d’Or Prix d’Honneur for his lifelong contribution to football.  Many footballers, including Messi, Ronaldo, and Mbappé, have praised Pelé as their inspiration. He is famously known as “The King of Football.” 

Why He’s Still the Greatest

• Dominated world football at just 17 
• Scored over 1,000 goals 
• Won the World Cup three times 
• Changed how the game is played and seen around the world 

He wasn’t just a footballer; he was a symbol of hope, joy, and greatness. That’s why, even today, Pelé remains the greatest footballer of all time. 

Conclusion 

In a time when there was no social media, no advanced technology, and much tougher playing conditions, Pelé still dominated. That’s why even today, after all these years and with so many great players coming after him, Pelé is still the greatest footballer of all time. 

His impact went beyond the pitch, Pelé united people, inspired generations, and brought global attention to the beautiful game. His legacy isn’t just measured in goals or trophies, but in the joy and passion he sparked in millions around the world. 

Written by Kinjal Walantra

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