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Why is Pele the king of football?

Why is Pele called “Pele the king of football”?

In the history of football, there have been many famous players who have left a strong mark, such as Franz Beckenbauer, Johan Cruyff, Diego Maradona or Zinedine Zidane. Today, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe are prominent names. However, there is only one person who is called “pele the king of football” by the whole world. So what makes Pele a special icon, even though he did not create football? Let’s find out with Kingsoccertips.com through the article below!

Learn about Pele the king of football
Learn about Pele the king of football

The Journey from a poor boy to a football legend

Revealing his natural talent

Pele was born on October 23, 1940 in Três Corações, Brazil, into a poor family. From a young age, he showed his love and talent for football despite not being able to buy a real ball. He often played football with homemade balls made from socks or grapefruit peels.

At the age of 15, Pele joined Santos and quickly impressed the coaches with his skillful technique and outstanding finishing ability. A year later, he was called up to the Brazilian national team, becoming the youngest player in the team’s history.

Marks at the 1958 World Cup

In 1958, Pele participated in his first World Cup at the age of 17. At this tournament, he created a miracle:

  • In the semi-final, Pele scored a hat-trick to help Brazil defeat France with a score of 5-2.
  • In the final, he continued to score twice, leading Brazil to defeat Sweden 5-2 and win the championship.

The moment Pele cried after the victory is an iconic image, a testament to his passion and dedication to football.

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Why is pele the king of football?

Unrivaled World Cup record

Pele is the only player in football history to win three World Cups in 1958, 1962 and 1970. This achievement not only reflects his outstanding talent but also proves his great influence on the Brazilian team during its golden period.

Why is Pele called the king of football?
Why is Pele called the king of football?
  • World Cup 1958: At the age of 17, Pele created a miracle when he scored 6 goals in 4 matches, including a double in the final to help Brazil defeat Sweden 5-2. Pele’s goals were not only beautiful but also demonstrated the confidence and bravery of a young player.
  • World Cup 1962: Although an early injury limited him to only 2 matches, Pele’s presence provided a strong inspiration for his teammates. Brazil continued to play excellently and successfully defended the title.
  • 1970 World Cup: This is considered Pele’s most perfect World Cup. He led the Brazilian team in excellent form, scoring 4 goals and making many important assists, including the pass to Carlos Alberto to score in the final. Brazil won the championship after defeating Italy 4-1, and the image of Pele holding the Jules Rimet gold cup became an immortal symbol.

With 3 World Cup championships, Pele not only set an unprecedented record but also affirmed himself as the greatest icon of world football in the 20th century.

Club achievements

Pele’s club career also marked brilliant achievements. He only played for two clubs throughout his career: Santos and New York Cosmos.

  • Santos (1956–1974): Pele spent 18 years with Santos, where he scored over 1,000 goals and helped the team dominate Brazilian and South American football. He and Santos won: 6 Brazilian national championships (Campeonato Brasileiro), 2 Copa Libertadores (1962, 1963), 2 Intercontinental Cups, including resounding victories over European teams.
  • New York Cosmos (1975–1977): Although he only played for 2 years in the United States, Pele contributed greatly to the promotion of football there. Thanks to his influence, the National Soccer League (NASL) attracted great attention, bringing football closer to the American public who preferred other sports such as baseball and football.

In a career spanning over 20 years, Pele played a total of 1,366 games and scored 1,283 goals, a record that not only reflects his outstanding skills but also his consistency and dedication. These numbers have made Pele an immortal legend in the hearts of football fans around the world.

Pele influence and legacy

Pele was not just a great football player, he was also a global cultural icon. With his charisma and prominence, Pele went beyond the boundaries of the football field to become an ambassador for peace, participating in charity activities and inspiring millions of people. He turned football into a common language, connecting people around the world, regardless of nationality, language or culture.

The influence and legacy of the king of football Pele
The influence and legacy of the king of football Pele

Pele’s career changed the way the world viewed football. He turned the sport into a cultural icon, not only entertaining but also containing spiritual values ​​and national pride. With magical performances and resounding success, he made the Brazilian team a global symbol of beautiful football, and at the same time elevated Brazilian football to the status of a sporting power.

Pele’s contributions were recognized not only on the field but also through prestigious titles and awards. In 1999, he was voted “Best Player of the 20th Century” by the IFFHS, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) also honored him as “Best Athlete of the 20th Century”. In particular, the FIFA Ballon d’Or in 2013 is a clear testament to Pele’s tireless contributions to world football. His legacy will forever be an immortal monument in the hearts of fans.

Final Thoughts

Pele is not only a player, but also a living legend in the history of world football. With 3 World Cup titles, more than 1000 goals and timeless contributions, he deserves the title “pele the king of football”. Pele’s career and legacy are symbols of greatness, passion and true sportsmanship. Although modern football has seen many new stars, Pele will always be an irreplaceable monument.

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