Brazil mourns the loss of a soccer legend: looking back on Pelé's legacy

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known throughout the world as Pelé, was born in Três Corações on October 23, 1940. Son of a soccer player, he started his career at only ten years of age in Bauru Atlético Clube youth soccer league. Six years later, he caught the eye of former soccer player Waldemar de Brito with his distinctive playing style — which combined an ability to anticipate the moves of other players, a powerful kick and accuracy — and was recruited by Santos FC, a professional soccer team. Playing for Santos, Pelé reached a new level in his career, improving his skill in the sport as well as increasing his recognition as a skilled player. During his time there from 1956 to 1974, Pelé won 25 titles for the club, more than 30 individual awards and was invited to play for the Brazilian national team in 1957. 

Pelé's soccer skills were so unique and advanced that, at the age of 16, he set the record as the youngest player to score a goal while on the Brazilian national team and, at age 17, as the youngest player in a World Cup Final. In his 14 years with the team, the King of Soccer played in over 100 games, scored 95 goals and participated in more than 15 tournaments, including four World Cups — winning Brazil three of the four.

Playing for the national team and, most importantly, performing well at international championships, put a spotlight on Pelé and his remarkable skill set, making him one of the most famous soccer players of all time. In 1971, after a 14-year run with the Brazilian team, the King decided it was time to retire — he felt it was better to stop playing while the audience still wanted him to stay rather than when they had grown tired of him. He played two farewell games, one at Morumbi stadium and the other at Maracanã stadium, and at both Pelé left to an emotional crowd chanting viva o Rei (long live the King). After retiring from the Brazilian national team, Pelé played for Santos FC another three years before retiring from Brazilian soccer.

Nearing the end of his soccer career, the King was invited to play for the New York Cosmos, an American soccer team. Hiring Pelé was part of an effort to use his international soccer star status to stimulate the professional soccer arena in the USA, as well as to generate more general interest in the sport. The effort paid off well but, after only two years with the team, Pelé decided to permanently retire from soccer. In 1977, he played his last match with the Cosmos, an exhibition game against Santos FC, and said goodbye to the crowd with a moving speech about love. 

After his sports career ended, Pelé still continued working in matters related to soccer and politics, doing remarkable work with the Brazilian government, as well as institutions such as the UN and UNICEF.

Being a relevant figure in soccer history, Pelé had many movies and documentaries made about him and, surprisingly, he had a brief acting career. Here are the movies made about and with the King of Soccer.

Isso é Pelé, 1974, Brazilian Documentary

Pelé, Birth of a Legend, 2017, American Documentary

A Marcha, 1972, Historical fiction

Victory, 1981, Historical fiction 

Os Trapalhões e o Rei do Futebol, 1986, Comedy

The King of Soccer found himself in many places throughout his life, but some had greater importance during his journey than others. Here are some of those places which can be visited by Pelé enthusiasts, or producers who want to capture his story through film.

A replica of the King's first home and birthplace, built from the memories of Celeste Arantes, Pelé's mother. The house has the perfect nostalgic feel, from the color of the walls to the songs playing on the radio. Get ready to be taken back to the 1940s! 

Casa Pelé, R. Édson Arantes do Nascimento, 1000 - Centro, Três Corações - MG.

Vila Belmiro is the stadium and training facility that houses Santos FC, the soccer team in which Pelé thrived and spent most of his career. There, you can also find the Memorial das Conquistas (Achievement Memorial) which has a vast collection of trophies, memorabilia and a whole section dedicated to Pelé's history.

Vila Belmiro, Rua Princesa Isabel, S/N, Vila Belmiro, Santos - SP

After moving to Santos at only 16 years of age, the King of Soccer's first home was Mrs. Georgina's Boarding house. Today, the building is a private residence but the original façade can still be observed from the street.

Mrs. Georgina 's Boarding House, Rua Euclides da Cunha, 215, Pompéia, Santos- SP.

During his time with Santos FC, Pelé played in many of Santos city's stadiums and had many victories at Ulrico Mursa and Espanha.

Ulrico Mursa Stadium, Av. Senador Pinheiro Machado, 240 - Jabaquara, Santos - SP

This stadium holds a special place not only in Pelé's history but also in his heart. In many interviews he would say that Maracanã was his favorite place to play because it gave him luck — and maybe that is true. Pelé had many outstanding victories at the stadium, as well as scoring the 1,000th goal of his career there. 

Inside the stadium, you can find the Soccer Museum that contains various memorabilia of soccer and Pelé's history.

Maracanã Stadium, Av. Pres. Castelo Branco, Portão 3 - Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro - RJ