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Pelé - an impressive career and over 1000 goals
It all started when Pelé was about ten years old. In 1950, Brazil hosted the World Cup. The young Brazilian was still a spectator at the time - Brazil suffered one of the most painful defeats in the country's football history in the final, losing 1-2 to neighboring Uruguay. According to his own statement, his father suffered so much that he had to cry. Pelé promised him that one day he would win the World Cup for his country.
Just 8 years later, at the 1958 World Cup, the time had come. At 17, Pelé led his country to victory with two goals in the final against Sweden. Other World Cup titles came in tournaments in 1962 and 1970, and among them he won 3 national club championships, two South American titles, and even the world club championship in 1963 with Santos.
Despite his small stature, the Brazilian was a giant on the field. He was blessed with speed, agility, control, strength, and an incredible ability to predict the movements of his opponents and teammates. In total, he scored 1,282 goals in 1,363 matches during his career.
One of the biggest highlights was his thousandth goal. He scored from a penalty kick against Vasco da Gama at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on November 19, 1969 - an important milestone for the Brazilian. More than 80,000 fans applauded him. Many fans stormed the field, his teammates carried him on their shoulders, and the game could only continue after a long interruption.
Pelé announced his retirement in 1974, before accepting a $7 million contract to play for the New York Cosmos in 1975. In 1977, he led the Cosmos to win a championship and made a major contribution to the promotion of football in the United States.
Just 8 years later, at the 1958 World Cup, the time had come. At 17, Pelé led his country to victory with two goals in the final against Sweden. Other World Cup titles came in tournaments in 1962 and 1970, and among them he won 3 national club championships, two South American titles, and even the world club championship in 1963 with Santos.
Despite his small stature, the Brazilian was a giant on the field. He was blessed with speed, agility, control, strength, and an incredible ability to predict the movements of his opponents and teammates. In total, he scored 1,282 goals in 1,363 matches during his career.
One of the biggest highlights was his thousandth goal. He scored from a penalty kick against Vasco da Gama at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on November 19, 1969 - an important milestone for the Brazilian. More than 80,000 fans applauded him. Many fans stormed the field, his teammates carried him on their shoulders, and the game could only continue after a long interruption.
Pelé announced his retirement in 1974, before accepting a $7 million contract to play for the New York Cosmos in 1975. In 1977, he led the Cosmos to win a championship and made a major contribution to the promotion of football in the United States.
