Pelé (Brazil)

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, or better known as Pelè was born October 23rd 1940. He went on to become perhaps the best player of all time. He made his senior debut for Santos in 1956, a month before his 16th birthday and ten months later he played for Brazil against Argentina. Pelè missed the first two matches of the 1958 World Cup, before making his debut against Russia. His first World Cup goal came in the 1-0 quarter -final win over Wales and he scored a hat-trick in the semifinal against France and two more in the final over host nation Sweden. At 17, Pelé became the youngest ever winner of the World Cup.

Brazil defended the title four years later in Chile, but Pelé was injured early on and missed most of the tournament. Injuries also plagued him in 1966 as Brazil were eliminated already in the first round, but in 1970 he was back on top of his game leading Brazil to a record third title. Pelé was excellent and partnered by Rivelino, Jairzinho and Tostao, Brazil formed perhaps the best team ever.

Scoring goals was Pelè's trademark, but he was also a clever, quick-thinking player who could create goals for others. He scored a remarkable 77 goals for Brazil in 92 appearances, and various sources suggest that he netted 1281 in 1363 senior games overall. He played his final game for Santos in 1974, but was persuaded out of retirement the following year when he joined NASL club, New York Cosmos in a $4.000.000 deal. He played his last game for Cosmos in 1977 in front of 75.646 fans.

Pele has achieved more than any other player in the World Cup history. Surprisingly he hasn't been topscorer in either of the four World Cups he played in, but he is on third place of the all-time topscorers table with his 12 goals. His proudest record must be the fact that he is the only player who has won three World Cups.

PELE: ITALY WILL BOUNCE BACK AGAINST BRAZIL

Will the Brazilian legend's infamous curse continue after he tipped the Azzurri to do the business against his homeland?
Tomorrow night Italy face Brazil in the Confederations Cup in their last group stage match, needing a victory to have a chance of qualifying for the semi-finals after their 1-0 defeat to Egypt in their first match.

The Selecao have won their first two group games, which makes it almost impossible for them not to qualify, but theoretically anything is still possible since goal difference matters if teams finish level on points.

Brazilian legend Pele spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport about this match, which he thinks is not to be underestimated for Carlos Dunga's men.

"When the two countries with the most World Cup victories meet, there is always a lot of balance no matter what kind of form they are in," he said. "In the London friendly in February Brazil were superior and won 2-0, but that's in the past. It will be a different story this time."

Despite that embarrassing 1-0 reverse to Egypt, the three-time World Cup winner believes Italy will bounce back quickly.

"I hope Brazil continue improving and play well against Italy: they should never be underestimated," he continued, "especially after a defeat like the one against Egypt, in which the opposing goalkeeper made some great saves, denying the Azzurri an equaliser. Italy know how to pick themselves up quickly."

Pele has become infamous for his numerous wrong predictions over the years, and he is considered by many as something of a jinx. Italy fans will now be fearing the worst following Pele's remarks.

MARADONA BALAS EJEKAN PELE

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Pelatih Argentina ini tidak mau kalah dalam memberikan ejekan kepada Pele yang menganggap dirinya tak pantas menjadi contoh generasi muda.Kedua legenda hidup sepakbola dunia ini tidak pernah berhenti dalam melakukan serangan. Sebelumnya, Pele dan Maradona saling beragumen ketika diadakan pemilihan pemain terbaik sepanjang masa yang dimenangi Pele.

Hubungan Maradona dan Pele kembali memanas, menyusul pernyataan pesepakbola yang membawa Brasil meraih gelar juara dunia tiga kali itu dianggap mendeskreditkan Maradona ketika menuding Robinho dan Adriano menggunakan obat terlarang. Pele menilai Maradona sebagai contoh negatif bagi pesepakbola muda karena kesukaanya mengkonsumsi obat terlarang dan minuman beralkohol.

Maradona mempunyai balasan atas serangan musuh abadinya itu. Maradona mengingatkan pada perseteruan keduanya, 2000 silam. Saat itu Pele berusaha membantah keras tuduhan Maradona yang menyebut Pele telah mendapat pelecehan seksual dari pelatihnya pada usia 14 tahun.

“Anda ingin dari jawaban saya? Dia [Pele] telah kehilangan virginitas saat masih kanak-kanak dari seorang pria,” ledek Maradona dalam acara jumpa wartawan jelang duel melawan Venezuela di laga kualifikasi Piala Dunia 2010 zona Amerika Latin, dilansir suratkabar Marca.