King Pelé in 10 dates

The legend of Brazilian football died on Thursday at the age of 82 In more than 80 years of a life most of which has been spent in the spotlight, Pelé has had some lows and many highs. Back in ten dates on the life of the man who many consider to be the greatest player in the history of football, whose death was announced Thursday at the age of 82 in Sao Paulo. October 23, 1940 Birth of Edson Arantes do Nascimento in Tres Coraçoes in the state of Minas Gerais (

In more than 80 years of a life most of which has been spent in the spotlight, Pelé has had some lows and many highs.

Back in ten dates on the life of the man who many consider to be the greatest player in the history of football, whose death was announced Thursday at the age of 82 in Sao Paulo.

October 23, 1940

Birth of Edson Arantes do Nascimento in Tres Coraçoes in the state of Minas Gerais (north of Rio de Janeiro), of poor parents, his father having been an amateur footballer.

1943

Sees himself decked out at the age of three and forever with the nickname of Pelé, while he encourages a certain Bilé, goalkeeper and friend of his father.

Bile becomes “Pile” in the child's mouth, then finally Pelé.

His family, however, will always call him "Dico".

September 7, 1956

Pelé plays his first match with the first team of Santos, where he follows Waldemar de Brito, the coach who had spotted him and made him evolve among the juniors of Bauru AC.

He will evolve for 18 years under the black and white jersey of the Peixe (“fish”).

June 29, 1958

His genius definitely shines in the eyes of the world in the final of the World Cup.

His double against Sweden, host country, contributes to the first coronation of the Seleçao.

He is only 17 years old and accumulates during this tournament several precocity records, including those still in force for the youngest player and scorer in the final.

1962

After four years during which he gleaned all the titles with Santos while refusing to give in to European sirens, he won his second World Cup in Chile.

But this time, he is more a spectator than a player, the fault of a groin injury.

And the hero of Brazil is called Garrincha.

November 19, 1969

Brazil celebrates the birthday of its flag, and Pelé that of his mother.

His gift ?

The thousandth goal of his career, a penalty against Vasco da Gama.

The Maracana is in madness, the match is interrupted 20 minutes, the time of an interminable lap of honor.

June 21, 1970

The accession of the King.

After a two-year break with the selection, after the disappointment of the English World Cup, Pelé returns to "the most beautiful Seleçao in history" and performs a prodigious 1970 World Cup. His gestures and his goals are unforgettable, among including his victorious header in the final which launched Auriverde's brilliant success against Italy (4-1).

More than the first two, this third coronation is his.

October 1, 1977

Pelé put an end to his career and played his jubilee at Giants Stadium, the first period with the Cosmos, the second with Santos.

In total, the statistics credit him with 1,363 matches and 1,281 goals scored, a record including friendly matches and approved by Fifa.

1994-1998

For four years, he served as Minister of Sports.

He is the first black to reach such a high position in Brazil.

1999

Voted Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee.

A year later, Fifa designated him player of the 20th century.

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Brazilian soccer legend Pelé dies aged 82