Publisher's Synopsis
Pelé is considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time. He was born Edson Arantes do Nascimento on October 23, 1940, in Três Corações, Brazil. He was given the nickname "Pelé" when he was a child, and it stuck with him throughout his career.
Pelé began playing professional soccer at the age of 15, when he signed with the Brazilian club Santos. He quickly became one of the best players in the league, and helped lead Santos to numerous victories in the Brazilian league and in international tournaments.
In 1958, Pelé made his international debut for the Brazilian national team at the age of 17. He helped lead Brazil to victory at the 1958 World Cup, and scored a hat trick (three goals) in the final match against Sweden. This made him the youngest player to ever score a goal in a World Cup final.
Pelé continued to play for Brazil in the 1962 and 1966 World Cups, and helped lead the team to victory in both tournaments. He is the only player to have won three World Cups.