Edson Arantes do Nascimento, famously known as Pelé, is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in the history of the sports. Born in Brazil in 1940, Pelé’s name became a symbol of football excellence, magic, and success. Throughout his legendary career, he broke records that even today’s biggest stars have struggled to match. Many of his records, made decades ago, remain untouched.
1. Youngest Player to Win a FIFA World Cup
In 1958, Pelé became the youngest footballer to win a World Cup at just 17 years and 249 days old. He played a major role in Brazil’s victory, scoring six goals in the tournament. No player younger than him has ever lifted the World Cup.
2. Only Player to Win Three FIFA World Cups
Pelé is the only footballer in history to win three FIFA World Cups, in 1958, 1962, and 1970. While many legendary players have won one or two, none have managed to win three as Pelé did. His unmatched success on the world stage remains a symbol of football greatness.
3. Most Goals for a Single Club (Santos FC)
Between 1956 and 1974, Pelé scored 643 official goals for Santos FC in Brazil. This record stood as the most goals scored for one club until Lionel Messi surpassed it in 2020 with FC Barcelona. Pelé still retains the record for the highest number of goals scored for Santos FC.
4. Youngest Player to Score in a World Cup Final
Pelé was just 17 years and 249 days old when he scored in the 1958 World Cup Final against Sweden. He scored twice in that match, helping Brazil win their first-ever World Cup. No player has ever scored in a World Cup final at a younger age.
5. Most Goals in a Calendar Year (Including Friendly Matches)
In 1959, Pelé scored an incredible 127 goals in a single calendar year, including friendly matches. While Lionel Messi and Gerd Müller have come close in official games, Pelé’s combined total across all matches is one of the highest ever recorded in football history.
6. Youngest Player to Score a Hat-trick in a World Cup Match
At just 17 years and 244 days old, Pelé scored a hat-trick against France in the semi-final of the 1958 World Cup. This made him the youngest player ever to score a hat-trick in a World Cup, a record that still stands today.
7. Most Career Goals (All Matches Combined)
Pelé claimed a total of 1,283 goals in 1,367 matches, counting official games, friendlies, and tour matches. While some of these games were not considered official, this number is still the highest total number of goals scored by a single player in football history.
8. Only Teenager to Score Twice in a World Cup Final
Pelé scored two goals in the 1958 final against Sweden, an incredible performance for a 17-year-old. To this day, no other teenager has scored twice in a World Cup final. His stunning display on that day helped Brazil win their first-ever World Cup title.
9. One of only five players to Score in Four Different World Cups
Pelé scored goals in four different World Cups, 1958, 1962, 1966, and 1970, making him one of only five players in football history to achieve this. His consistency across 12 years at the world’s biggest stage shows just how special he truly was.
10. Most Assists in World Cup History (Finals Matches)
Pelé recorded 10 assists in World Cup final-stage matches (not qualifiers), showing that he wasn’t just a goal-scorer, he was also a playmaker. This is the most assists by any player in World Cup finals history. Pelé remains the only player to provide three assists in World Cup final matches, one in 1958 and two in 1970.
Conclusion
Pelé was more than just a footballer; he was a symbol of greatness and joy in the game. His records highlight his unique talent and the impact he made on the sport. Even decades later, as modern stars break new ground, many of Pelé’s records remain unchallenged. He truly was, and still is, The King of Football.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
