Check out 10 outstanding moments of Pelé for the national team and for Santos

Pele transcended generations. There were 1,283 goals in 1,363 career games, divided between Santos, New York Cosmos and the Brazilian national team. The King has always been at the top when it comes to the debate of who would be the best player in history and his moments justify this, such as the third world championship with Brazil — he is still the only one to win three Cups.

Check out ten of the most memorable moments below:

The first game, in 1956

Pelé debuted on September 7, 1956, still 15 years old. He scored his first goal in that game, played against Corinthians de Santo André. His first call-up to the Brazilian national team came just ten months into his career, the following year.

The first world cup in 1958

At the age of 17, Pelé already defended the shirt of the Brazilian national team in a World Cup. In the Swedish tournament, he was an important part —with a goal in the final and everything—, of Brazil’s first title at the world championships. He was considered the best young player and one of the great promises of the sport.

In 1962, in the second championship, Pelé was injured in the second match of the tournament, but he was part of the title, including with a goal.

The 1959 America’s Cup

That year, Pelé had a great Copa America. There were eight goals in the campaign and appointed as the best player in the competition, although the title did not come. That was the only time that Pelé played in the tournament.

the home goal

It was on March 5, 1961, in a match against Fluminense, at Maracanã. Santos made it 1-0, with Pelé, but the beautiful goal was yet to happen. He received a pass from Dalmo at the entrance to the area and left scribbling all opponents. Facing the goalkeeper, he hit the right corner, increasing the score.

The goal was applauded throughout the stadium. Journalist Joelmir Beting decided that that goal deserved a plaque and he had it made himself, paying out of his own pocket and taking it to the stadium.

Two Libertadores and two consecutive World Cups

Despite being injured in the 1962 World Cup, Pelé recovered and had two great seasons with Santos. There were two Copa Libertadores titles and two World Cup titles (against Benfica and Milan), placing his team and his football even more on the international stage.

the thousandth goal

With only 13 years of career, in 1969, Pelé reached the historic milestone of a thousand goals. It was in a penalty kick against Vasco, in Maracanã, after a few matches in which the mark seemed to be drawn, but it did not arrive. He hit the left corner of goalkeeper Andrada, who still touched the ball. The party was big at the stadium and the match was interrupted for about 20 minutes.

The third championship, in 1970

Twelve years after winning his first World Cup, Pelé led the Brazilian team to its third championship, becoming the only player to have won three titles. He was named the best player of the tournament and scored Brazil’s first goal in the final, played against Italy.

The departure of Santos

Pelé left Santos in 1974. It had been the only club in his professional career. He would continue to play a few games for the club, until signing with the New York Cosmos as a way to leverage the sport in the United States.

retirement

Pelé retired from the pitch in 1977, in a friendly match between Santos and New York Cosmos. He played time on each of the teams.

Four years later, he was chosen by the newspaper L’Équipe as the athlete of the 20th century. In 1999, he was chosen by FIFA as the best player of the century.