Full History Of Pelé In Timeline From 1922

1922: Birth of Pelé's Mother

Pelé's mother Celeste Arantes was born in 1922.

October 1940: Birth of Pelé and Family Background

Pelé was born on October 23, 1940, in Três Corações, Minas Gerais, to Fluminense footballer Dondinho and Celeste Arantes.

October 1940: Birth of Pelé

Pelé, one of the greatest footballers of all time, was born Edson Arantes do Nascimento in Três Corações, Minas Gerais, Brazil, in October 1940.

1950: Brazil's Historic Loss Against Uruguay

The 1950 World Cup final round match between Brazil and Uruguay remains a significant event in football history. Uruguay's victory over Brazil in a stunning upset left a lasting impact on Brazilian football, shaping the team's determination and approach in future tournaments.

June 1956: Pelé Signs Professional Contract with Santos FC

Pelé's exceptional talent caught the attention of Santos FC, and in June 1956, he signed his first professional contract with the club, marking a pivotal moment in his journey to becoming a football legend.

September 1956: Pelé's Professional Debut

At the age of 15, Pelé made his professional debut for Santos FC in September 1956, showcasing his extraordinary skills and scoring his first goal in a resounding 7-1 victory.

1956: France Football Analyzes Ballon d'Or History

Although the Ballon d'Or award was established in 1956, it was initially limited in scope. However, in 2015, France Football conducted a study to determine who would have won the award if it had been open to all players since its inception. Their analysis revealed that Pelé would have been a record seven-time recipient, further solidifying his place among the greatest footballers of all time.

July 1957: Pelé's International Debut

Pelé's first international match was on July 7th, 1957, at the Maracanã stadium. At 16 years and eight months old, he scored his first international goal for Brazil in a 2-1 loss against Argentina, making him the youngest goal scorer for his country.

1957: Pelé Becomes Top Scorer at Age 16

In 1957, at just 16 years old, Pelé's exceptional goal-scoring ability earned him the title of top scorer in the league, hinting at the remarkable career that lay ahead.

June 1958: Pelé's World Cup Final Victory

On June 29th, 1958, at the young age of 17 years and 249 days, Pelé became the youngest player to play in a World Cup final. He scored two goals in that final match, leading Brazil to a 5-2 victory over Sweden in Stockholm. This victory solidified Pelé's status as a rising star.

1958: Pelé Earns "The King" Nickname

After his performance at the 1958 World Cup, Pelé earned the nickname "O Rei," meaning "The King." This marked the beginning of his global recognition as a phenomenal talent in football.

1958: Pelé's World Cup Debut and Rise to Fame

At the young age of 17, Pelé made his debut at the FIFA World Cup in 1958, showcasing his extraordinary talent and leading Brazil to victory. This marked the beginning of his reign as "O Rei" (The King) of football.

1958: European Clubs Seek to Sign Pelé

Following his impressive World Cup performance in 1958, numerous wealthy European clubs, including Real Madrid, Juventus, and Manchester United, expressed keen interest in acquiring Pelé's talent, recognizing him as a generational talent.

1958: Pelé's World Cup Debut and Historic Hat-trick

In 1958, Pelé played in his first World Cup, becoming the youngest player ever to participate in the tournament. Despite struggling with a knee injury, his teammates advocated for his selection. His first game was against the USSR, where he provided an assist for a goal. In the semi-final against France, Pelé scored a hat-trick, making him the youngest player to do so in World Cup history.

1958: Pelé's Rise to Fame

In 1958, Pelé's emergence at the World Cup coincided with the spread of television, significantly boosting his global presence. He was praised by prominent figures like Nelson Mandela and Henry Kissinger for his extraordinary talent. This year marked the beginning of his journey towards becoming a global icon and the embodiment of individual sporting superstardom.

1958: Just Fontaine on Pelé's Impact

Just Fontaine, a French striker, revealed that watching Pelé play in 1958 made him consider retiring, underscoring the awe-inspiring nature of Pelé's abilities.

1958: Pelé's Global Impact as a Black Sporting Star

Pelé's emergence as a black global sporting star during the 1958 World Cup served as a significant source of inspiration for many, transcending the boundaries of sports.

1958: Pelé's First Major Title with Santos

Pelé's journey to greatness continued as he secured his first major title with Santos in 1958, winning the Campeonato Paulista and setting a tournament record with an astounding 58 goals.

1958: Pelé and the Iconic Number 10 Jersey

The 1958 World Cup marked a significant moment as it was the first time Pelé wore the number 10 jersey. Due to a disorganization, the Brazilian Federation did not assign jersey numbers, leaving FIFA to decide. Pelé, being a substitute at the time, was given the number 10 which would become iconic throughout his career.

August 1959: Most Memorable Goal

In August 1959, Pelé scored what he considered to be his most memorable goal, during a match at the Estádio Rua Javari against São Paulo rival Clube Atlético Juventus. No footage of this match exists, so Pelé requested a computer animation be made of it.

1959: South American Championship Triumph

In 1959, Pelé played in the South American Championship, where he emerged as the top scorer with eight goals and was named the tournament's best player. Despite Brazil being unbeaten, they finished second. Pelé demonstrated his scoring prowess in five out of six games, including two goals against Chile and a hat-trick against Paraguay.

1960: Santos Reclaims Campeonato Paulista and Wins Taça Brasil

Pelé's goal-scoring prowess continued as he led Santos to reclaim the Campeonato Paulista and secure the Taça Brasil in 1960, further cementing his status as a rising star.

March 1961: Gol de Placa

Pelé scored an impressive goal in March 1961, at the Maracanã against Fluminense, after receiving the ball near his own penalty area, dribbling the length of the field, and striking the ball past the goalkeeper. A plaque was later made to commemorate "the most beautiful goal in the history of the Maracanã".

1961: Pelé Declared a "National Treasure" of Brazil

Recognizing his immense cultural and sporting significance, the Brazilian government, under President Jânio Quadros, declared Pelé an "official national treasure" in 1961, preventing his transfer out of the country.

1962: Santos's Historic Copa Libertadores and Intercontinental Cup Victories

1962 marked a historic year for Santos as they achieved both Copa Libertadores and Intercontinental Cup victories, with Pelé playing a pivotal role and showcasing his exceptional skills on the international stage.

1962: Pelé's Injury at the World Cup

At the 1962 World Cup in Chile, Pelé, considered the best player at the time, suffered an injury in the second game against Czechoslovakia, preventing him from playing the rest of the tournament. Despite his absence, Brazil, led by Garrincha, went on to win their second World Cup title.

1962: Continued Interest from European Clubs

European clubs continued their pursuit of Pelé following his second World Cup victory in 1962, eager to add his extraordinary skills to their rosters.

1962: Pelé's Second World Cup Triumph and Copa Libertadores Victory

Pelé's brilliance continued as he secured his second FIFA World Cup title in 1962. That same year, he also led Santos to their first Copa Libertadores title, cementing his status as a global icon.

1963: Santos Retains Copa Libertadores and Intercontinental Cup Titles

In 1963, Pelé and Santos continued their dominance, successfully defending both the Copa Libertadores and Intercontinental Cup titles, further solidifying their place among football's elite.

1963: Santos Retains Copa Libertadores Title

In 1963, as defending champions, Santos once again won the Copa Libertadores, after defeating Botafogo and Boca Juniors. Notable moments included a last-minute goal by Pelé against Botafogo in the semi-finals, a hat trick in the second leg of the semi-finals, and Pelé scoring in the finals as Santos became the first Brazilian team to win the tournament on Argentinian soil.

1964: Birth of Sandra Machado

Sandra Machado was born in 1964 from an affair between Pelé and Anizia Machado, a housemaid. Sandra fought for years to be acknowledged by Pelé, who initially resisted DNA testing.

1964: Santos' Copa Libertadores Loss and Campeonato Paulista Victory

Santos was defeated in the semi-finals of Copa Libertadores by Independiente in 1964, but went on to win the Campeonato Paulista, with Pelé scoring 34 goals.

December 1965: Santos' Fifth Straight Taça Brasil Title

In December 1965, Santos won their fifth consecutive Brazilian league title, the Taça Brasil, with Pelé scoring the last goal of the final series.

1965: Santos Eliminated from Copa Libertadores but Pelé is Top Scorer

In 1965, Santos reached the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores, where they faced Peñarol in a rematch of the 1962 final. This time Peñarol came out on top, but Pelé was the top scorer of the tournament, with eight goals.

1966: Brazil's Early Exit from the World Cup

Despite having a star-studded team, Brazil, led by Pelé, faced a disappointing early elimination in the first round of the 1966 World Cup in England. Pelé himself became a target of harsh fouls from opposing defenders, highlighting the physicality of the game.

1966: Bobby Moore Praises Pelé's Complete Skillset

England's World Cup-winning captain in 1966, Bobby Moore, hailed Pelé as the most complete player he'd ever encountered. He commended Pelé's all-around skillset, from his footwork and aerial ability to his speed, power, and game vision, emphasizing how Pelé, despite his height, played with a giant's presence.

1966: Santos Defeated in Taça Brasil

In 1966, Santos failed to defend their Taça Brasil title, losing to Cruzeiro in the final series, despite Pelé's goals.

1966: Pelé Marries Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi

Pelé married Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi in 1966. The couple had three children together: Kely Cristina, Jennifer, and Edson ("Edinho"). Their marriage lasted for 16 years, ending in divorce in 1982.

1966: The End of an Era for Brazilian Football

The 1966 World Cup marked the end of an era for Brazilian football, with prominent players like Garrincha, Nilton Santos, and others retiring. This transition paved the way for a new generation of players to emerge and make their mark on the international stage.

January 1967: Birth of Kely Cristina Pelé

On January 13, 1967, Pelé and Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi welcomed their first child, a daughter named Kely Cristina.

November 1969: Pelé's 1,000th Goal

A highly anticipated event occurred in November 1969, when Pelé scored his 1,000th career goal from a penalty kick in a match against Vasco de Gama at the Maracanã Stadium.

1969: Pelé's Return to the National Team

In 1969, Pelé, after initially declining, accepted a call to rejoin the Brazilian national team. He played in six World Cup qualifying matches, demonstrating his commitment to his country and showcasing his exceptional skills by scoring six goals.

1969: Exhibition Game in Lagos, Nigeria

In 1969, Santos played an exhibition game in Lagos, Nigeria. Some sources claim that the two sides in the Nigerian Civil War agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire so they could watch the game. Pelé scored both goals in a 2-2 draw with Stationary Stores FC. However, research has failed to corroborate the ceasefire claim.

1969: Pelé Stars in Telenovela "Os Estranhos"

Pelé took on a starring role in "Os Estranhos," a telenovela about alien contact designed to generate interest in the Apollo missions.

August 1970: Birth of Edson "Edinho" Pelé

Edson, nicknamed "Edinho," was born on August 27, 1970, to Pelé and Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi. He would later face legal troubles related to money laundering.

1970: Pele's Missed Goal Comment

During the 1970 World Cup, Pelé remarked that people frequently brought up a goal he didn't score, referencing the impressive save made by England's goalkeeper Gordon Banks during their match.

1970: Pelé: "G-O-D" of Football

During the 1970 World Cup, when asked how to spell "Pelé," Manchester United defender Paddy Crerand simply said, "Easy: G-O-D," reflecting the widespread sentiment that Pelé's talent transcended human capabilities.

1970: Praise for Pelé from Football Legends

Following the 1970 World Cup, figures like Johan Cruyff, Carlos Alberto Torres, and Tostão lauded Pelé's abilities. Cruyff described him as surpassing logic, while Torres highlighted his improvisation, and Tostão praised his flawless skill and positive demeanor. His teammate Clodoaldo recounted the immense adoration Pelé received worldwide.

1970: Brazil's 1970 World Cup Victory

In 1970, Brazil won the World Cup at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, defeating Italy 4-1. Pelé's performance was spectacular. He scored the opening goal with a header, assisted in two more goals, and participated in what is considered the greatest team goal in history, ultimately leading Brazil to keep the Jules Rimet Trophy indefinitely. Pelé's leap of joy after his goal is an iconic moment in World Cup history.

1970: Pelé's Historic Third World Cup Title

In 1970, Pelé achieved an unprecedented feat by winning his third FIFA World Cup title, solidifying his place in football history as the only player to accomplish this remarkable achievement.

1970: The "Pelé Pact" and Puma's Marketing Triumph

In the lead-up to the 1970 World Cup, Adidas and Puma, fierce rivals in the sportswear industry, made a pact to not sign Pelé, fearing a costly bidding war. However, Puma broke the agreement and signed Pelé, orchestrating a legendary marketing stunt. They paid him to tie his Puma King boots before the quarter-final match against Peru, broadcasting the iconic moment to a global audience and significantly boosting the brand's visibility and sales. This event highlighted the growing commercialization of sports and the power of athlete endorsements.

1970: Pelé's Dominance in the 1970 World Cup

Pelé showcased his extraordinary talent in the 1970 World Cup, scoring twelve goals and providing ten assists in fourteen appearances. His performance included an impressive four goals and seven assists.

1970: Pelé: A Symbol of Sportsmanship

The 1970 World Cup showcased Pelé's sportsmanship when he warmly embraced Bobby Moore after the Brazil vs. England game. This act is considered an example of respect in sports, emphasizing the lack of gloating or despair from either player. Pelé was known for his charismatic leadership, fair play, and ability to score decisive goals.

1970: The 1970 World Cup and Brazil's Restructured Squad

The 1970 World Cup, held in Mexico, was widely anticipated to be Pelé's final tournament. Brazil's squad had undergone significant changes since the 1966 World Cup, with several key players retiring. Nonetheless, the 1970 team, featuring Pelé, Rivellino, Jairzinho, and others, is often hailed as one of the greatest football teams in history.

July 1971: Pelé's Final International Match

Pelé's last international match was in July 1971 against Yugoslavia in Rio de Janeiro. Notably, the Brazilian team never faced defeat when both Pelé and Garrincha were playing.

1973: Pelé Meets Zubaida Tharwat

During a trip to Kuwait in 1973, Pelé met Egyptian movie star Zubaida Tharwat.

1973: International Exhibition Games

In 1973, Pelé went on tour with Santos and played exhibition games in several countries, including a game against Al Ahly in Egypt.

1974: Pelé Retires from Brazilian Club Football

After 19 seasons with Santos, Pelé retired from Brazilian club football in 1974, though he would still play for Santos occasionally in official games.

1974: Franz Beckenbauer Calls Pelé the "Greatest of All Time"

In 1974, West Germany's World Cup-winning captain, Franz Beckenbauer, declared Pelé the greatest player of all time, acknowledging his two-decade reign and unparalleled talent in the sport.

June 1975: Pelé's New York Cosmos Debut

Pelé's debut for the New York Cosmos took place on June 1975, against the Dallas Tornado at Downing Stadium, where he scored a goal in a 2-2 draw.

1975: Pelé Joins New York Cosmos

A year after retiring from Brazilian club football, Pelé came out of retirement to play for the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League.

1975: Ebony Magazine Publishes Ceasefire Story

Ebony magazine published a story in 1975, about a 48-hour ceasefire during the Nigerian Civil War so that people could watch Pelé play an exhibition game in Lagos in 1969. This is considered to be an early source for this story, but the veracity of the claim has been disputed.

1975: Exhibition Game in Lebanon

In 1975, one week before the start of the Lebanese Civil War, Pelé played in a friendly game with the Lebanese club Nejmeh, scoring two goals that were not included in his official tally.

1976: Pelé Caught in Nigerian Coup Attempt

During a Pepsi-sponsored trip to Lagos, Nigeria, Pelé was caught in the middle of a military coup attempt. He was later evacuated safely.

June 1977: Cosmos' Record-Breaking Victory

In June 1977, Pelé, playing for the Cosmos, contributed to a 3-0 win against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. This game was significant as it drew in a record-breaking 62,394 fans at Giants Stadium. At 37 years old, Pelé scored a hat-trick in this game.

August 1977: Pelé's Final Game and Soccer Bowl Triumph

On August 28th, 1977, Pelé played his last official game. He led the New York Cosmos to their second Soccer Bowl title by winning against the Seattle Sounders with a score of 2-1. The match was held at the Civic Stadium in Portland, Oregon.

October 1977: Pelé's Farewell Exhibition Match

On October 1st, 1977, Pelé played in a farewell exhibition match between the Cosmos and Santos at a sold-out Giants Stadium. Notable attendees included his family, Muhammad Ali, and Bobby Moore. Pelé played the first half with the Cosmos and the second with Santos. He scored the final goal of his career, a 30-yard free-kick for the Cosmos, leading them to a 2-1 victory.

1977: Pelé Retires from Professional Football

After an illustrious career, Pelé decided to hang up his boots and retire from professional football in 1977, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy in the sport.

1977: Pelé Undergoes Kidney Surgery

In 1977, Brazilian media reported that Pelé had undergone surgery to remove his right kidney. This marked one of his first publicly known health challenges.

1977: Pelé Stars in Documentary and Composes Music

Pelé was the subject of a documentary directed by François Reichenbach and composed music for the film's soundtrack by Sérgio Mendes.

1978: Zico Crowns Pelé Player of the Century

Brazilian midfielder Zico, who played in the 1978, 1982, and 1986 World Cups, firmly stated that Pelé was undeniably the greatest player of the century, ending any debate on the matter.

1978: FIFA Regulation Change: Recognizing Entire Squad Contributions

In 1978, FIFA changed its regulations to award medals to all members of the winning World Cup squad, not just the players who participated in the final match. This change acknowledged the contributions of the entire team in achieving victory.

1978: Birth of Jennifer Pelé

Jennifer, the second daughter of Pelé and Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi, was born in 1978.

1981: Pelé's Relationship with Xuxa

From 1981 to 1986, Pelé was romantically linked with TV presenter Xuxa. Their relationship began when Xuxa was 17 years old, drawing public attention and scrutiny due to the age difference.

1981: Pelé Appears in "Escape to Victory"

Pelé starred in the film "Escape to Victory," set during World War II and featuring a football match between Allied prisoners of war and a German team.

1982: Pelé and Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi Divorce

After 16 years of marriage, Pelé and Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi decided to divorce in 1982.

1982: Michel Platini Compares Pelé to a God

Michel Platini, a three-time Ballon d'Or winner, differentiated between Pelé the man and Pelé the player, stating that to play like the latter was akin to playing like God, emphasizing the otherworldly nature of his talent.

1986: Pelé and Xuxa's Relationship Ends

After five years together, Pelé and Xuxa's relationship ended in 1986.

1986: Diego Maradona Acknowledges Pelé's Greatness

Despite their differences, Diego Maradona, often compared to Pelé in the best-of-all-time debate, conceded that Pelé was an "awesome player."

1992: Pelé Appointed UN Ambassador for Ecology and Environment

Pelé's post-football life included significant ambassadorial work, beginning with his appointment as a UN ambassador for ecology and the environment in 1992.

1993: Pelé Accuses Ricardo Teixeira of Corruption

Pelé publicly accused Ricardo Teixeira of corruption after his television company was rejected in a bid for broadcasting rights for the 1994 World Cup.

April 1994: Pelé Marries Assíria Lemos Seixas

In April 1994, Pelé married psychologist and gospel singer Assíria Lemos Seixas. The couple opted for fertility treatments and welcomed twins, Joshua and Celeste, in 1996.

1994: Pelé Banned from 1994 World Cup Draw

As a result of his accusations against Teixeira, Pelé was banned from the 1994 FIFA World Cup draw by FIFA President João Havelange, Teixeira's father-in-law.

1994: Pelé Becomes UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador

Pelé was appointed as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in 1994.

1994: Romário Views Pelé as a God

Romário, the 1994 World Cup winner, expressed that looking up to Pelé was inevitable, as he was like a God to Brazilian footballers.

January 1995: Pelé Appointed Minister of Sports

In January 1995, Brazilian President Fernando Cardoso appointed Pelé as Minister of Sports. During his tenure, Pelé championed reforms aimed at combating corruption within state football associations, demonstrating his commitment to improving the sport he loved.

1995: France Football Changes Ballon d'Or Rules

In 1995, France Football made significant changes to the rules of the Ballon d'Or award. These changes paved the way for a more inclusive and comprehensive selection process, recognizing the global nature of football and the contributions of players from all continents.

1995: Pelé Appointed Extraordinary Minister for Sport

In 1995, Pelé was appointed to the position of Extraordinary Minister for Sport by Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso.

1995: Pelé Receives Brazil's Gold Medal for Sports

Pelé was honored by Brazil with the country's gold medal for his exceptional contributions to the sport.

September 1996: Birth of Pelé's Twins

On September 28, 1996, Pelé and Assíria Lemos Seixas welcomed twins, Joshua and Celeste, into the world. The twins were conceived through fertility treatments.

1997: Pelé Receives Honorary Knighthood

Pelé received an honorary knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.

April 1998: Pelé Resigns as Minister of Sports

Pelé resigned from his position as Minister of Sports in April 1998, after serving for over three years. His time in office was marked by efforts to address corruption and modernize Brazilian football.

1998: Elimination of Sports Minister Post

The position of sports minister in Brazil was eliminated in 1998 by President Cardoso.

1999: Pelé Named Athlete of the Century

In 1999, Pelé received a prestigious honor when he was named "Athlete of the Century" by the International Olympic Committee.

December 2000: Pelé and Maradona Share FIFA Player of the Century Award

In December 2000, Pelé and Diego Maradona were jointly awarded the FIFA Player of the Century award. Initially intended to be decided by a web poll, the award process was adjusted to include a "Family of Football" committee after a surge in votes for Maradona, suspected to be from a concerted effort by his fans. The committee, along with votes from FIFA magazine readers, ultimately chose Pelé. However, recognizing Maradona's popularity in the online poll, FIFA decided to have both legends share the honor.

2000: Pelé Voted World Player of the Century

Adding to his accolades, Pelé was voted "World Player of the Century" by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) in 2000.

2000: IFFHS Crowns Pelé as "World's Best and Successful Top Division Goal Scorer of all time"

In 2000, the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) bestowed upon Pelé the title of "World's Best and Successful Top Division Goal Scorer of all time." They recognized his remarkable achievement of scoring 541 goals in 560 games with a dedicated trophy.

2000: IFFHS Honors Pelé

Pelé's legacy in football was further cemented in 2000 when the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) bestowed upon him the title of World Player of the Century. This prestigious award recognized his unparalleled skills and contributions to the sport.

2001: Pelé Accused, but Cleared, in UNICEF Corruption Scandal

Pelé faced accusations of involvement in a corruption scandal related to a canceled benefit match, but nothing was proven, and UNICEF denied the claims.

2001: Pelé Makes Cameo Appearance in "Mike Bassett: England Manager"

Pelé made a cameo appearance in the satirical football film "Mike Bassett: England Manager."

2002: Pelé Scouts for Fulham F.C.

Pelé briefly worked as a scout for Premier League club Fulham F.C.

2006: Pelé Releases Autobiography

In 2006, Pelé released his autobiography, providing insights into his life and career.

2006: Pelé Declines Participation in ESPN Documentary

Pelé declined to participate in ESPN's documentary "Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos" due to a disagreement over his appearance fee.

2006: Pelé Inaugurates 2006 FIFA World Cup

Pelé joined Claudia Schiffer in inaugurating the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

2006: Pelé Conducts World Cup Qualification Draw

Pelé was involved in the draw for the qualification groups for the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals.

2006: Death of Sandra Machado

Sandra Machado, Pelé's daughter, tragically passed away from cancer in 2006. Before her death, a court-ordered DNA test confirmed her paternity, leading Pelé to acknowledge her as his daughter.

November 2007: Pelé Attends Sheffield F.C. 150th Anniversary

Pelé was the guest of honor at Sheffield F.C.'s 150th-anniversary celebration, attending a match against Inter Milan and opening an exhibition of football history.

2007: Pelé Receives His 1962 World Cup Winner's Medal

Due to the 1978 FIFA regulation change, Pelé retroactively received his winner's medal for the 1962 World Cup in 2007. This event highlighted the significance of acknowledging the efforts of all players who contribute to a team's success, regardless of their participation in the final game.

2008: Pelé and Marcia Aoki Reconnect

Pelé and Marcia Aoki, a Japanese-Brazilian businesswoman, reconnected in 2008 after initially meeting in New York in the mid-1980s. This marked the beginning of their romantic relationship, leading to their marriage in 2016.

2008: Pelé's Second Divorce

Pelé's second marriage, to Assíria Lemos Seixas, ended in divorce in 2008.

July 2009: Pelé Supports Rio de Janeiro's 2016 Olympics Bid

Pelé actively campaigned for Rio de Janeiro's successful bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics, leading a presentation in Abuja, Nigeria.

August 2010: Pelé Named Honorary President of New York Cosmos

Pelé returned to the New York Cosmos as honorary president, supporting the team's goal of joining Major League Soccer.

2010: Pelé Becomes Honorary President of New York Cosmos

In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Pelé was named the honorary president of the New York Cosmos in 2010.

2010: Pelé and Marcia Aoki Begin Dating

Pelé and Marcia Aoki began dating in 2010, embarking on a relationship that would lead to marriage six years later.

August 2011: Rumors of Pelé's Santos Comeback Prove False

Rumors circulated about Pelé coming out of retirement for the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup with Santos, but these proved to be unfounded.

August 2012: Pelé Attends Olympic Hunger Summit in London

Pelé participated in the Olympic hunger summit hosted by British Prime Minister David Cameron at 10 Downing Street, addressing the global issue of hunger.

November 2012: Pelé's Hip Surgery

In November 2012, Pelé underwent a successful hip operation. This surgery was one of several medical procedures he would face in the latter part of his life.

2012: Pelé Awarded Honorary Degree from University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh recognized Pelé's humanitarian and environmental efforts, along with his athletic achievements, with an honorary degree.

2013: Pelé Appeals for Unity During Protests

During widespread protests in Brazil in 2013, Pelé appealed for unity and urged people to support the Brazil national team. His call for national pride during a time of social unrest highlighted the unifying power of football.

January 2014: FIFA Honors Pelé with Ballon d'Or Prix d'Honneur

In January 2014, FIFA acknowledged Pelé's immense contributions to football by awarding him the inaugural FIFA Ballon d'Or Prix d'Honneur. This special award recognized his lasting impact on the sport and his status as a global ambassador for football.

May 2014: Edinho Sentenced to Prison

In May 2014, Pelé's son, Edinho, was sentenced to 33 years in prison for money laundering related to drug trafficking. The sentence was later reduced to 12 years and 10 months on appeal. This event marked a difficult period for the Pelé family and brought unwanted scrutiny.

2014: Museu Pelé: A Tribute to the King

In 2014, the city of Santos paid homage to its beloved hero by inaugurating the Museu Pelé. This museum, housed in a 19th-century mansion, showcases over 2,400 pieces of Pelé memorabilia, offering a glimpse into the life and career of the football legend.

October 2015: Samsung Airs Advertisement Allegedly Featuring Pelé's Likeness

Samsung released an advertisement that allegedly featured a man resembling Pelé and a football move often associated with him, leading to a lawsuit from Pelé.

2015: France Football Conducts Ballon d'Or Analysis

In 2015, France Football undertook an extensive analysis of past Ballon d'Or awards, using historical data and expert opinions to determine who would have won the award in previous years if the eligibility criteria had been different. This study offered a fascinating glimpse into the history of the award and sparked debates about the greatest footballers of all time.

March 2016: Pelé Sues Samsung for False Endorsement

Pelé filed a lawsuit against Samsung Electronics for using his likeness in an advertisement without his permission, seeking $30 million in damages. The lawsuit was later settled out of court.

July 2016: Pelé's Third Marriage

At the age of 73, Pelé married 41-year-old Marcia Aoki in July 2016. Aoki, a Japanese-Brazilian importer of medical equipment, had been in a relationship with Pelé since 2010. This marriage marked a new chapter in Pelé's personal life.

2016: Pelé Auctions Memorabilia for Charity

Pelé auctioned off a large collection of memorabilia, raising £3.6 million for various charitable causes.

2016: Rio de Janeiro Hosts the Summer Olympics

The 2016 Summer Olympics took place in Rio de Janeiro.

December 2017: Pelé Attends World Cup Draw in Wheelchair

In December 2017, Pelé attended the 2018 World Cup draw in Moscow using a wheelchair. His appearance sparked concern about his health, although he was seen sharing a moment with President Vladimir Putin and Diego Maradona.

2018: Pelé Hospitalized for Exhaustion

A month after attending the World Cup draw, Pelé collapsed from exhaustion and was hospitalized. This event further highlighted his increasing frailty and the health challenges he faced.

2018: Pelé Establishes the Pelé Foundation

Pelé founded the Pelé Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to supporting underprivileged children worldwide.

2019: Pelé Undergoes Kidney Stone Surgery

In 2019, Pelé was hospitalized for a urinary tract infection and subsequently underwent surgery to remove kidney stones. His recurring health problems continued to raise concerns among fans and the football community.

February 2020: Pelé's Mobility Issues

In February 2020, Pelé's son, Edinho, revealed that his father was struggling to walk independently and was reluctant to leave home. Edinho attributed Pelé's condition to a lack of proper rehabilitation following his hip operation. This news brought to light the challenges Pelé faced in his later years and the impact on his quality of life.

December 2020: Lionel Messi Surpasses Pelé's Goal Record

In December 2020, Lionel Messi of Barcelona surpassed Pelé's record of 643 goals for a single club.

2020: Ballon d'Or Dream Team Announced

In 2020, France Football announced their prestigious Ballon d'Or Dream Team, an all-time greatest XI featuring the best players in football history. Pelé was named in this elite group, further cementing his status as a legend of the sport.

September 2021: Pelé Undergoes Surgery and Chemotherapy for Colon Tumor

In September 2021, Pelé underwent surgery to remove a tumor on his right colon. While his daughter reported he was doing well, he was readmitted to intensive care shortly after and eventually released at the end of September to begin chemotherapy.

2021: Pelé Diagnosed with Colon Cancer

Pelé was diagnosed with colon cancer and began treatment, including surgery and chemotherapy.

June 2022: Pelé Condemns Russian Invasion of Ukraine

In June 2022, Pelé used his platform to speak out against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In an open letter published on Instagram, he directly addressed Russian President Vladimir Putin, condemning the invasion as "evil" and "unjustified" and calling for peace. This act demonstrated Pelé's willingness to leverage his influence for humanitarian causes.

November 2022: Pelé Hospitalized for Swelling and Cardiac Issues

In November 2022, Pelé was hospitalized again with general swelling and cardiac issues. There were also concerns about the effectiveness of his chemotherapy treatment, although his daughter stated there was "no emergency."

December 2022: Pelé's Health Deteriorates, Leading to Hospitalization and Christmas Away from Family

In December 2022, Pelé's health worsened, with his tumor advancing and requiring greater care for renal and cardiac dysfunctions. This prevented him from spending Christmas at home with his family.

December 2022: Death of Pelé

Pelé passed away in December 2022.

December 2022: Pelé's Condition Deteriorates, Receives Palliative Care

Pelé's health worsened as he became unresponsive to chemotherapy, leading to the decision to switch to palliative care.

2022: Puma's Marketing Strategy Pays Off

The impact of Puma's 1970 marketing coup involving Pelé continues to resonate in the 21st century. The story serves as a case study in successful sports marketing, demonstrating the enduring power of associating a brand with a global icon like Pelé. It also highlights the escalating value of athlete endorsements and the role of such partnerships in shaping the multi-billion dollar sports apparel industry.

January 2023: Pelé's Funeral: A Global Farewell to the Football Legend

Pelé's funeral took place in January 2023, starting at Vila Belmiro stadium in Santos, with his body lying in state in an open coffin draped with the flags of Brazil and Santos FC. Thousands of mourners attended, with lines stretching for hours. The funeral procession drew global attention, with Brazilian television suspending regular programming. Dignitaries like Gianni Infantino and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva paid their respects.

March 2023: Kigali Stadium Renamed in Honor of Pelé

In March 2023, Kigali Pelé Stadium in Rwanda was renamed after Pelé by Rwandan president Paul Kagame and FIFA president Gianni Infantino during the 73rd FIFA Congress.

April 2023: "Pelé" Officially Enters the Dictionary

In April 2023, the nickname "pelé" was officially added to the Michaelis Portuguese-language dictionary, signifying "exceptional, incomparable, unique." This followed a successful campaign with over 125,000 signatures.