While so many players’ greatness fades with time, generation after generation still knows Pele as one of the greatest footballers ever.
The Brazilian legend passed away on December 29 at the age of 82 after a battle with colon cancer.
Pele’s eternal greatness is anchored in his three World Cup triumphs and the incredible impact he had on each tournament, as well as his 757 official (1,283 claimed) career goals.
We take a look at the club career of FIFA’s Player of the 20th Century which is perhaps given less of the spotlight when it comes to talking about his impact.
PELE: The man who taught the world the Beautiful Game
Which clubs did Pele play for?
Unlike the men Pele is compared to in heated GOAT debates, the Brazilian icon never played in Europe. In fact, he only spent two seasons outside of his native land.
Pele signed for Brazilian side Santos at just 15-years-old in 1956, and didn’t leave until 1975.
The forward is Santos’ all-time record appearance maker (636) and, naturally, top goalscorer (618).
Pele retired from competitive action after the 1974 season before making a shock comeback to sign for New York Cosmos, playing in the emerging North American Soccer League.
Pele’s arrival brought an immense buzz to the MLS’ predecessor, with only David Beckham’s LA Galaxy transfer comparing in the modern age. Before retiring, Pele scored 37 goals in 64 games for the Cosmos.
Pele’s years in the US couldn’t convince Americans to love soccer, though, and both the Cosmos and the NASL folded in 1985.
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Why did Pele never play in Europe?
While Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona were prolific in Europe decades later, Pele never moved continents to test himself against the game’s greatest teams.
Real Madrid were of course among the teams who tried to sign Pele, but he turned the Spanish giants down.
The Brazilian legend explained it himself: “I had many offers to sign for Madrid, Barca, Milan and Bayern, but I was happy at Santos and that’s why I stayed for 18 years,” he said.
“When I left it was an experience to go to the Cosmos and promote football, do soccer clinics and learn English… if not I would never have left Brazil.”
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Pele career with Brazil
Pele holds the record of having won the most World Cups, leading Brazil to their first three triumphs on football’s biggest stage.
It seems impossible that any player could surpass Pele’s cultural importance in Brazil when, of their five World Cup glories, they have only lifted the trophy twice without him.
The striker was just 16-years-old when he scored on his Brazil debut against eternal rivals Argentina, a year before lifting his first World Cup and becoming the youngest player to feature in a final.
He scored twice that day, leading Brazil to a 5-2 win against Sweden. Pele also struck in the 1970 final, when Italy were resoundingly beaten 4-1.
When the great finisher ended his career, he had notched a stunning record of 77 goals in 92 international matches.
