“Pele by numbers” could refer to various metrics or statistics related to Pelé, the Brazilian football legend, who is considered one of the greatest players of all time. If you’re asking about his career achievements or iconic stats, here are some key numbers that define Pelé’s legendary career:

1. Goals Scored

• Total Career Goals: Pelé scored 1,283 goals in 1,367 games across all competitions (club and international matches), including friendly matches, which makes him one of the highest goal scorers in football history. However, if you count only official matches, he scored 757 goals.

2. World Cups

• World Cup Titles: Pelé won the FIFA World Cup three times—1958, 1962, and 1970. He is the only player in history to have won three World Cup titles.

3. International Goals

• Goals for Brazil: Pelé scored 77 goals in 92 appearances for the Brazilian national team, making him the top scorer for Brazil at the time (this record was later surpassed by Neymar).

4. Club Career

• Santos FC: Pelé played for Santos from 1956 to 1974, scoring 643 goals in 659 matches. His time at Santos made him a global superstar.
• New York Cosmos: Pelé ended his playing career with the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League (NASL), scoring 37 goals in 64 matches from 1975 to 1977.

5. International Tournaments

• Copa América: Pelé did not win the Copa América, as he made only a few appearances in the tournament early in his career, but he played a key role in the success of the Brazilian team in World Cups.
• Olympic Games: Pelé did not participate in the Olympics as football was not a full professional sport during his playing years (the 1960s-70s).

6. Appearances

• Total Club Appearances: Pelé made 1,366 appearances for clubs and national teams in official competitions.

7. Awards and Honors

• Ballon d’Ors: Pelé did not win the Ballon d’Or during his playing career because the award was initially only open to European players. However, in 1970, Pelé was awarded an honorary Ballon d’Or, recognizing his immense contribution to world football.
• FIFA Player of the Century: In 1999, Pelé was named one of the FIFA Players of the Century, alongside Argentine legend Diego Maradona.

8. Longevity and Legacy

• Retirement Age: Pelé retired from professional football at age 36 in 1977, though his influence on the sport has lasted well beyond his playing years.
• Impact on Global Football: Pelé is credited with helping to globalize football, particularly in the U.S., where his presence at the Cosmos played a significant role in raising the profile of the sport.

These numbers and achievements highlight Pelé’s extraordinary legacy as one of the most successful and influential players in the history of football.

Please leave this field empty

Sign up to Receive Awesome Content in your Inbox, Frequently.

Enter Your Email Address *

We don’t Spam!
Thank You for your Valuable Time

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.