Challenges Faced by Pelé: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Pelé's life and career.

Pelé, born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, was a Brazilian professional footballer celebrated as one of the greatest of all time. As a forward, he achieved remarkable success and popularity, becoming a global icon in the 20th century. He holds a Guinness World Record for scoring 1,279 goals in 1,363 games. Pelé was named Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee in 1999 and included in Time's list of the 100 most important people of the 20th century. In 2000, he was voted World Player of the Century by IFFHS and was a joint winner of the FIFA Player of the Century award.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1962: Played in the 1962 World Cup

In 1962, Pelé was considered the best player in the world. In the first match of the 1962 World Cup in Chile, against Mexico, Pelé assisted the first goal and then scored the second one. He got injured in the next game and had to sit out the rest of the tournament. In 2007, he retroactively received a winner's medal.

1965: Copa Libertadores Semi-Finals

In 1965, Santos reached the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores, meeting Peñarol in a rematch of the 1962 final. Peñarol eliminated Santos 2–1 after a playoff, although Pelé finished as the top scorer of the tournament with eight goals.

1966: Played in 1966 World Cup

In 1966, Pelé played in the World Cup in England. Brazil was eliminated in the first round. Pelé was injured by brutal fouls during the matches.

1966: Losing the Taça Brasil

In 1966, Santos failed to retain the Taça Brasil as Pelé's goals were not enough to prevent a defeat by Cruzeiro in the final series.

1976: Trapped during Nigerian coup attempt

In 1976, while on a Pepsi-sponsored trip in Lagos, Nigeria, Pelé was trapped in a hotel with Arthur Ashe and other tennis pros due to a military coup attempt. He eventually left the hotel to stay at Brazil's ambassador's residence and later left the country disguised as a pilot.

1977: Right kidney removed in 1977

In 1977, Brazilian media reported that Pelé had his right kidney removed.

1993: Accusation of corruption against Ricardo Teixeira

In 1993, Pelé publicly accused the Brazilian football administrator Ricardo Teixeira of corruption after Pelé's television company was rejected in a contest for the Brazilian domestic rights to the 1994 World Cup, leading to an eight-year feud.

1994: Pelé banned from 1994 FIFA World Cup draw

As a consequence of his accusations against Ricardo Teixeira, Pelé was banned from the draw for the 1994 FIFA World Cup in Las Vegas by FIFA president João Havelange, Teixeira's father-in-law.

November 2012: Hip operation in November 2012

In November 2012, Pelé underwent a successful hip operation.

May 2014: Edinho sentenced to jail in May 2014

In May 2014, Pelé's son, Edinho, was sentenced to 33 years in jail for laundering money from drug trafficking.

October 2015: Samsung Ad includes someone who resembles Pelé

In October 2015, Samsung ad included a partial face shot of a man who allegedly "very closely resembles" Pelé and also a superimposed high-definition television screen next to the image of the man featuring a "modified bicycle or scissors-kick", often used by Pelé.

March 2016: Lawsuit against Samsung Electronics

In March 2016, Pelé filed a lawsuit against Samsung Electronics seeking US$30 million in damages for false endorsement and violation of his right of publicity. The case was later settled out-of-court.

December 2017: Appeared in a wheelchair in December 2017

In December 2017, Pelé appeared in a wheelchair at the 2018 World Cup draw in Moscow where he was pictured with President Vladimir Putin and Argentine footballer Diego Maradona.

2018: Appeared in 2018 World Cup

In December 2017, Pelé appeared in a wheelchair at the 2018 World Cup draw in Moscow where he was pictured with President Vladimir Putin and Argentine footballer Diego Maradona.

2019: Surgery to remove kidney stones in 2019

In 2019, after a hospitalisation because of a urinary tract infection, Pelé underwent surgery to remove kidney stones.

February 2020: Reported unable to walk independently in February 2020

In February 2020, Pelé's son Edinho reported that Pelé was unable to walk independently and reluctant to leave home, ascribing his condition to a lack of rehabilitation following his hip operation.

2021: Diagnosis of colon cancer

In 2021, Pelé was diagnosed with colon cancer, underwent surgery, and was treated with chemotherapy.

November 2022: Pelé hospitalized with swelling and cardiac issues

In November 2022, Pelé was hospitalized with "general swelling" and cardiac issues, amid concerns that his chemotherapy treatment was not effective. His daughter stated that there was "no emergency".

December 2022: Health Update and Death

In December 2022, Pelé's tumour had advanced, requiring greater care for renal and cardiac dysfunctions. He died on December 29, 2022, at 82, due to multiple organ failure caused by colon cancer complications.