Pélé

Pélé, also known as "The King of Football," is a Brazilian former professional footballer widely regarded as the greatest player of all time. He was born Edson Arantes do Nascimento on October 23, 1940, in Três Corações, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Pélé began his professional career with Santos FC at the age of 15 and quickly became a global phenomenon. His exceptional skill, speed, and goal-scoring ability set him apart from his peers.

Pélé's international career was equally remarkable. He made his debut for the Brazilian national team at just 16 years old and went on to win three FIFA World Cups in 1958, 1962, and 1970. He remains the only player in history to have achieved this feat. His performance in the 1958 World Cup, where he scored six goals in the knockout stages, including a hat-trick in the semi-finals and two in the final, announced his arrival on the world stage.

During his career, Pélé scored an astonishing 1,283 goals in 1,363 games, a Guinness World Record for the most career goals scored. He played his entire club career with Santos FC, winning numerous titles, before retiring in 1977 after a stint with the New York Cosmos. Beyond his playing days, Pélé became a global ambassador for football and a respected humanitarian. He passed away on December 29, 2022, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy in the sport.