Just the mention of Pele is enough for football fanatics to know and worship him. But, there are a lot of things about Pele that most of the football fans likely don’t know about, especially when it comes to the underrated tales about this legendary footballer. Don’t worry though, we have accumulated a list of the highly underrated and unknown facts about Pele that you didn’t know about.
Remember that being a football fan is not just about knowing the places to buy cheap football shoes but it is all about knowing the actual legends that make the sport of football. Let us familiarize you with some of the underrated facts about Pele that you likely didn’t know of.
How did he get his nickname?
For those who are unaware, Pele’s real name is not what he is predominantly known as. His real name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, which is quite a mouthful to say. He got his nickname after mispronouncing the name of a Brazilian goalkeeper and that stuck. His friends started teasing him calling him Pele and it came around into his professional career as well.
What did his father do?
Not many football or Pele fans know this but his father was a footballer too. Dondinho, a famous footballer of his time was famous for his five headshot goals in a single match. So, safe to assume that Pele’s extraordinary gaming skills are hereditary.
Did Pele serve in the government?
You’d be surprised to know that Pele’s skills weren’t just confined to the football ground. He played a crucial role in the Brazilian government wherein he served as the Extraordinary Minister of Sport between the years 1995 and 1998. He has also worked in the UN as an ambassador to promote the well-being of Ecology and the Environment. Even though his qualifications aren’t known to common people, it isn’t surprising that his practical knowledge has taken him places.
How many FIFA world cups has Pele won?
While there is often confusion that Pele has won three FIFA world cups, he has won two. Pele was indeed part of three World cup winning teams but in the 1962 World Cup, he primarily sat out from the game, which justifies that he has won two world cups instead of three like many tend to think.
How many goals did Pele score during his debut?
Pele is often considered a national treasure and for reasons that you would least expect. Yes, he is a legendary player but did you know that he scored four goals in his debut professional match? Probably not, right? Well, he did and that is not an achievement that we overlook. So, if you are here skipping out on the required goals and requirements, we’d suggest you check the biography of this legendary player.
Here are some of the best and hidden facts about legendary footballer Pele that not many football fans are aware of. How many of these did you not know of?
