At the time of his passing, Pelé, a popular and well-known Brazilian football player, had a net worth of $100 million. Pelé! The name alone conjures up images of dazzling footwork, electrifying goals, and the sheer joy of the beautiful game. He was much more than just a footballer, though. Pelé was a cultural icon, a global ambassador for Brazil, and a champion for social justice.
He rose from humble beginnings in Três Corações, Brazil, to become a legend. His talent was evident from a young age, and he made his professional debut for Santos FC at just 15. It wasn’t long before he was captivating the world with his skill and athleticism.
Pele Early Life
Pelé, the legendary Brazilian footballer, had an early life as remarkable as his later career. He was Born in Edson Arantes do Nascimento on October 23, 1940, in Três Corações, Brazil, Pelé’s childhood was marked by poverty but also by an undeniable passion for football.
His father, Dondinho, was a professional footballer who struggled to make ends meet. Pelé grew up playing with a makeshift ball, often a sock stuffed with rags or a grapefruit, in the streets of Bauru, where his family moved when he was young.
Despite the hardships, Pelé’s talent was evident from an early age. He played for local amateur teams and quickly developed his skills. At 15, he was spotted by Waldemar de Brito, a former Brazilian national team player, who convinced him to try out for Santos FC, a professional club in São Paulo.
Pelé’s trial with Santos was a success, and he signed with the club in 1956. He made his professional debut at the age of 16 and quickly became a sensation. By 17, he was playing for the Brazilian national team and had helped Santos win the Paulista Championship, the most prestigious state championship in Brazil.
Pelé’s early life was a testament to his talent, determination, and resilience. He overcame poverty and hardship to become one of the greatest footballers of all time. His story is an inspiration to young athletes around the world.
| Category | Information |
| Full Name | Edson Arantes do Nascimento |
| Nickname | Pelé |
| Date of Birth | October 23, 1940 |
| Place of Birth | Três Corações, Brazil |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Playing Position | Forward |
| Playing Years | 1956-1977 |
| Major Teams | Santos FC, New York Cosmos |
| National Team | Brazil |
| World Cups Won | 3 (1958, 1962, 1970) |
| Goals Scored | 1283 (official matches) |
| FIFA Player of the 20th Century | Awarded in 2000 |
Pele Career
Pelé’s football career was nothing short of legendary. He’s widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, and his achievements on both the club and international stage are truly remarkable. Here are some key points to remember:
Club career
- Santos (1956-1974): Pelé spent the majority of his career at Santos, becoming their all-time top scorer with a staggering 643 goals in 659 games. He led the club to numerous titles, including two Copa Libertadores wins and two Intercontinental Cups.
- New York Cosmos (1975-1977): After leaving Santos, Pelé enjoyed a brief stint in the American NASL with the New York Cosmos, helping to increase the popularity of the sport in the United States.
International career
- Three World Cup wins (1958, 1962, 1970): Pelé is the only player in history to win three World Cups, and he was the youngest player to ever win the tournament at the age of 17 in 1958. His performances in these tournaments, particularly the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, cemented his status as a global icon.
- 77 goals in 92 appearances for Brazil: Pelé held the record for Brazil’s all-time top goalscorer for over 50 years before being surpassed by Neymar in 2022. His goalscoring prowess was unmatched for his generation.
Pelé Career Achievements
| Achievement | Description |
| FIFA World Cup | * Winner (3): 1958, 1962, 1970 |
| * Runner-up (1): 1966 | |
| * Most goals scored in World Cup finals (3) | |
| * Youngest player to win a World Cup (17 years old in 1958) | |
| Santos FC | * Campeonato Brasileiro Série A (6): 1958, 1959, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964 |
| * Taça Brasil (4): 1958, 1962, 1963, 1964 | |
| * Torneio Rio-São Paulo (4): 1959, 1963, 1964, 1965 | |
| * Copa Libertadores (2): 1962, 1963 | |
| * Intercontinental Cup (2): 1962, 1963 | |
| Individual | * FIFA Ballon d’Or (1): 1963 |
| * FIFA Ballon d’Or runner-up (1): 1966 | |
| * Onze d’Or (11): 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1967, 1969, 1970, 1973 | |
| * Globe Soccer Player of the Century (1950-2000) | |
| * IFFHS World’s Best Player of the 20th Century (1st) | |
| * BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year (1): 1961 | |
| * International Football Hall of Fame | |
| * Brazilian Golden Ball (6): 1959, 1960, 1961, 1963, 1964, 1965 | |
| * South American Footballer of the Year (3): 1959, 1960, 1961 | |
| * Most career goals (1,283) | |
| * Guinness World Record for most goals scored in a year (127 in 1959) |
Pele Highest Salary
Pelé, the legendary Brazilian footballer, held the title of the highest-paid athlete in the world during his time with the New York Cosmos in the mid-1970s. His annual salary was a staggering $2.8 million, a massive sum back then, especially considering the era’s footballing landscape.
While it may seem like a modest amount compared to the astronomical salaries of today’s top footballers, it’s important to consider the inflation and the different context of the sport back then. In today’s terms, $2.8 million in 1975 would be equivalent to roughly $46 million, making it an even more impressive figure.
Also Find out Sergio Ramos Net Worth in 2024.
Pele Endorsements
Pelé, the legendary Brazilian footballer, has been a sought-after brand ambassador throughout his career and even in retirement. His global fame, charisma, and association with the beautiful game have made him a powerful marketing tool for a wide range of companies. Here are some of his most notable endorsements:
Puma: One of Pelé’s most iconic partnerships was with Puma. In 1970, he famously tied his Puma boots on-camera before a World Cup match, defying his contract with Adidas. This rebellious act cemented his association with Puma and helped popularize the brand worldwide.
Volkswagen: Pelé has been a brand ambassador for Volkswagen since 2010. He has appeared in numerous commercials and promotional campaigns, leveraging his Brazilian connection to promote the automaker’s cars in South America.
Subway: In 2013, Pelé partnered with Subway to promote healthy eating and active lifestyles. He appeared in commercials and participated in store events, particularly in his home country of Brazil.
Emirates: Pelé served as the international ambassador for Emirates airline from 2014 to 2018. He promoted the airline’s global reach and luxurious travel experiences, particularly in the Middle East and Asia.
Hublot: Pelé is a brand ambassador for Hublot, a Swiss luxury watchmaker. He has appeared in advertising campaigns and events, showcasing the brand’s association with sporting excellence and timeless design.
These are just a few of the many companies that Pelé has endorsed throughout his career. His endorsements have not only generated significant income for him but also helped to shape his public image and legacy as a global icon.
Pelé Investments
Pelé has also been a successful businessman, with investments in a variety of businesses. One of Pelé’s most notable investments is in the New York Cosmos, a soccer team that he played for in the 1970s. The Cosmos were one of the most popular teams in the United States during Pelé’s time, and he helped to popularize soccer in the country. Pelé also has investments in a number of other businesses, including Puma, Gillette, and Coca-Cola.
In addition to his business ventures, Pelé is also a philanthropist. He has founded a number of charities, including the Pelé Foundation, which works to improve the lives of children in Brazil.
- In 1977, Pelé purchased a 50% stake in the New York Cosmos for $4 million. The Cosmos were one of the most popular teams in the North American Soccer League (NASL) during the 1970s and 1980s.
- In 1994, Pelé founded the Pelé Sports & Marketing Group, which is a sports marketing and management company.
- In 2010, Pelé was named a global ambassador for Puma.
- Pelé was named a brand ambassador for Gillette in 2013.
- Pelé was named a brand ambassador for Coca-Cola In 2014.
Pelé’s investments have not only made him a wealthy man, but they have also helped to promote soccer around the world. He is a true global icon, and his business ventures are a testament to his intelligence and business acumen.
FAQs about Pelé’s Net Worth:
1. What was Pelé’s net worth at the time of his death?
- Estimates vary slightly, but most sources place Pelé’s net worth at around $100 million at the time of his passing in December 2022.
2. How did Pelé make most of his money?
- Surprisingly, Pelé’s playing career earnings weren’t as astronomical as some modern footballers. However, he accrued wealth through several sources:
- Post-retirement endorsements and sponsorships: Pelé became a global icon and brand ambassador for numerous companies, significantly boosting his income.
- Business ventures: He invested in various businesses, including real estate and sports ventures.
- Salary after retirement: He served as a sports minister for Brazil and held various ambassadorial roles for FIFA and other organizations, earning a salary through these positions.
3. Was Pelé the richest footballer ever?
- No, Pelé’s net worth wouldn’t rank him among the highest-earning footballers of today’s era. However, considering the inflation-adjusted value of his earnings and his career longevity. He remains one of the most financially successful players of his time.
4. What were some of Pelé’s most notable endorsements?
- Pelé’s endorsements included major brands like Puma, Pepsi, MasterCard, and Gillette. He also served as a global ambassador for VISA and Coca-Cola.
5. Did Pelé have any philanthropic activities?
- Yes, Pelé was actively involved in various philanthropic endeavors. He supported numerous charities, including UNICEF and the Pelé Foundation, which focuses on improving the lives of underprivileged children.
