Pelé

Brazilian soccer player who competed as a forward and was named Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee in 1999, and labelled "the greatest" by FIFA. Pelé became a national Brazilian hero and probably the best player in soccer history. His 1,279 goals in 1,363 games, which includes friendlies, is recognised as a Guinness World Record. In his international debut at the 1950 World Cup, he scored two goals in the 4-2 win against Sweden. He subsequently scored a goal in every international game in which he played.

During his career, he became known as "The Black Pearl" (A Pérola Negra), "The King of Football" (O Rei do Futebol), "The King Pelé" (O Rei Pelé) or simply "The King" (O Rei).

Pelé came from a poor family in the impoverished town of Tres Coracoes, Brazil. His family called him "Dico" but his young soccer friends nicknamed him "Pelé." As a kid, he shined shoes. At 11, he was discovered by Waldemar de Brito, the country's best soccer player.

In 1956, he began his professional career with Santos FC. The club won nine championships between 1958 and 1969. Pelé quickly became the top scorer in the soccer league. He became not only a legend in his own country but all around the world. In 1967, Nigeria called a 48-hour cease fire so the athlete could play an exhibition match in the capitol of Lagos. Most soccer players careers lasts around five years. Pelé played - at his peak - for 18 years.

In 1970, Pelé played his last World Cup game final. He retired from the Santos Football Club after the 1974 season. In 1975, when he discovered the extent of his financial debts he returned to soccer and played for the New York Cosmos from 1975 to 1977. In 1994, Pelé was named Brazil's Minister of Sports.

By 1990, he was the representative of Warner as well as the owner of a restaurant under his nickname of "Pelé."

Pelé married three times and had seven children.