Pelé Through the Years

Brazilian soccer legend Pelé won three World Cup titles, was named one of TIME's 100 most influential people of the 20th century in 1999 and is arguably the greatest player of all time. In honor of Pelé turning 77 years old on Oct. 23, 2017, take a look at the legend throughout his life.

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Oct 23, 2016

Pelé Through the Years

Now the most decorated soccer country in the world, Brazil hadn't won a World Cup heading into the 1958 tournament. That all changed when Pelé spearheaded the team to a 5-2 triumph over Sweden in the finals, with Pelé knocking in two goals.

A boyish-looking Pelé cradles a puppy circa 1958.

A young Pelé prepares to drink from a bottle topped by a teat. He was prolific even in his youth, spearheading the 1958 Brazil National Team to a World Cup championship over Sweden at age 17.

Pelé does some cooking while sporting a chef's hat circa 1960. He certainly knew the recipe for success, netting 1,281 goals during his celebrated career.

During a friendly in Sweden on May 8, 1960, Pelé blows by the competition. He and his Brazilian teammates smoked their Malmoe opponents, capturing a comfortable 7-1 victory.

Pelé smiles for the camera while wearing a Mexican-style sombrero in March 1961.

Some female admirers join Pelé in his sombrero photo shoot in March 1961. He had millions of fans, and is still regarded as a Brazilian national hero.

Pelé impresses opponents with his moves while training for the 1962 World Cup. The tournament itself would be a disappointment, as he injured himself during Brazil's showdown with Czechoslovakia.

Pelé smiles while washing in the bathroom in May 1963. He was a media target everywhere he went, becoming the most legendary footballer ever.

Pelé loosens up before a 1966 match.

Pelé walks off in pain after injuring his shoulder against Portugal during their match at the 1966 World Cup.

Pelé receives a kiss from his wife at a sportsman's ball in Munich, February 1968. He is wearing a cloak and a headdress in his role as King Carnival.

Pelé demonstrates the proper bicycle kick technique during a contest in 1968.

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Pelé stands among a display to recognize his 1,000th professional goal on Dec. 14, 1969. He finished with 1,281 goals — making him the top scorer of all time.

Pelé is greeted by a mariachi band upon his arrival in Mexico for the 1970 World Cup. He'd continue to impress the country over the course of the next month, racking up three goals in Brazil's eventual triumph.

England’s Bobby Moore shakes hands with Brazil’s Pelé after Brazil defeated England, 1-0, in the 1970 World Cup.

Pelé and Brazil rolled past the competition in the 1970 World Cup, defeating Czechoslovakia, England, Romania, Peru, Uruguay and Italy en route to the title.

An elated Pelé sprints to his teammates in celebration after knocking in the first goal of the 1970 World Cup final.

Pelé and Jairzinho celebrate after Pelé’s goal in the 1970 World Cup final.

A shirtless Pelé is hoisted off the pitch after the 1970 World Cup final. It was a return to form for him, as he missed parts of the 1962 and 1966 tournaments due to injury.

Pelé relaxes by the hotel pool with his guitar after the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. The tournament was music to his ears, as Brazil claimed its third World Cup title.

A stylish Pelé poses in front of a Mercedes-Benz in 1970. His flashy image was fitting, as his on-field play earned him the nickname "O Rei Pelé," meaning "The King Pelé."

1971-Pele-Champs-Elysees-Jules-Rimet-World-Cup-trophy.jpg — Popperfoto/Getty Images

Pelé is paraded down the Champs Elysees boasting the Jules Rimet World Cup Trophy, which Brazil was awarded for their dominance in the 1970 tournament. He was in Paris with his Santos team for a 1971 charity match.

Pelé prepares to slice up some meat during a 1974 event. He is better known for slicing up his competition.

Pelé graces the cover of Sports Illustrated after joining the New York Cosmos in 1975. His debut in the U.S. helped popularize a sport in a nation that was behind the rest of the world.

Pelé runs along the pitch during a game against the Dallas Tornadoes. He made 64 appearances as a member of the New York Cosmos.

Pelé of the New York Cosmos looks to exchange his Brazilian flag with Kyle Rote Jr. of the Dallas Tornados for his American flag.

During a "Fabrege Promotional Event" on Aug. 5, 1975, Pelé juggles an American football. His headers were quite amusing, drawing laughs out of spectators Joe Namath and designer Richard Barry.

Pelé smiles and waves to fans after being crowned "King of Soccerdom," a gift from America Club of Mexico on Feb. 4, 1979. The crown in gold and silver was worth $13,000.

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Pelé shows off his moves after his team beat France in 1981. His moves on the pitch dazzled as well, as he was renowned for his brilliant dribbling skills.

Pelé kicks a ball in front of a local boys soccer team as President Ronald Reagan looks on in the Rose Garden at the White House on Oct. 14, 1982.

A spokesperson as well as an athlete, Pelé promotes an anti-drug campaign before a match with Diego Maradona and Michael Platini on May 23, 1988 in France. He used his fame to make a difference after soccer, serving as the United Nations ambassador for ecology and the environment.

Pelé wipes away tears during his wedding with Assiria Seixas Lemos on April 30, 1994 in the coastal town of Recife, Brazil. More than 170 state police guarded the couple and 300 guests at the Anglican Episcopal Church. It was the second marriage for both.

Pelé presents an autographed ball to Magic Johnson during his time in Rio de Janeiro on Feb. 5, 1995. Magic, a terrific athlete himself, was clearly pleased at receiving the souvenir.

Dave Allocca/DMI/Time Life Pictures/Getty Images

Pelé and his wife, Assiria, pose with boxing legend Muhammad Ali and his wife, Lonnie at Sports Illustrated's 20th Century Sports Awards on Dec. 2, 1989 in New York City. Regarded as the greatest to ever play their respective sports, Ali and Pelé shared something else in common: they both were known by titles other than their birth names. Ali was originally born Cassius Clay, while Pelé is officially named Edison Arantes do Nascimento.

Pelé poses with DC United's Freddy Adu during a photo shoot while filming a Sierra Mist commercial on March 6, 2004 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.

Pelé shakes hands with former South African President, Nelson Mandela on July 17, 2007 in Johannesburg. Pelé was in South Africa to attend the "90 Minutes for Mandela" match, to be played at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town the following day, Mandela's 89th birthday.