Pelé

One of the greatest soccer players of all time is Pelé.

Pelé was born Edson Arantes do Nascimento in 1940 in Três Corações, Brazil. His first soccer ball was a grapefruit. He also used an old sock and filled it with newspaper.

Pelé left school at a young age to play soccer and work to help his family. Later in life, he finished high school and college. Pelé was only 17 when people started to talk about him.

It was 1958. Brazil was playing in the World Cup soccer competition. Pelé had an injury. He didn't play the first games, but his team needed him. Then Pelé went on the field. Pelé scored the only goal of the last game, and Brazil won the World Cup.

Pelé played professional soccer for 22 years. He scored 1 281 goals—more goals than any other player in the world. He helped Brazil win three World Cup titles.

Pelé retired from soccer in 1971. People all over the world admired Pelé. Presidents and world leaders invited him to their countries. Nigeria once stopped its war for three days to let Pelé play.

His talent is very unusual. Doctors once tested Pelé to find out why he played soccer so well. They found that he had excellent eyesight. He is also very intelligent. Pelé liked to do math problems and play chess. He said these activities helped him play better.

Pelé is married and has three children. He likes to be with his family. He also plays the guitar and writes songs.

Pelé cares about people, especially children. He gives money to help poor children. He never advertises for tobacco or liquor companies. He knows that he has a great influence on young people.

Pelé once said that he wants to "unite people, never to separate them." He is loved and admired all over the world.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Pelé famous for?
2. How old was Pelé when he first played for the World Cup?
3. What was used as Pelé's first soccer ball?
4. How many goals did he score in his life?
5. Has Pelé ever advertised for tobacco and liquor companies?

(Keys.)