Pelé: The story of a legend

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, more commonly known as Pelé, is considered to be one of the best soccer players, if not the best to ever live. His story is filled with tragedies and triumphs, but where to start?

He was born in Três Corações, Brazil, on October 23, 1940. He was named after Thomas Edison, a famous American inventor. At that time he was attributed with the nickname "Dico." Despite being poor, he was able to pick up some impressive soccer skills by just playing with a ragged ball. He gained his nickname "Pelé" after mispronouncing "Bile," the name of the Brazilian national team goalkeeper at the time. However, the now 78 year old veteran claims that he had nothing but animosity for the nickname of Pelé. Nonetheless, it seemed that the more he protested, the more it stuck.

When he was 15, after much help from former Brazilian international Waldemar de Brito, Pelé tried out for the Santos FC, a professional football club, at the age of 15. One year later, at the age of 16, he was leading the league with goals. Finally, the soccer world as we know it, was introduced to the 17 year old phenom when he was recruited to the Brazil national team.

However, due to his status as a rookie, Pelé was not given the starting spot for forward. Despite this, after the injury of team star "Mazzola," Pelé was given the starting spot. He made his debut for Brazil against the Soviet Union in the '58 World Cup. The USSR was a possible contender for the cup, and had been dominating its competition. Despite not scoring and playing a blasé game, Brazil was able to edge past the Soviet Union with a combination of luck, and skill, both of which were generated by players such as Garrincha and Vavá.

Pelé's first goal, or first three rather, came in his next game, which was the semi-finals. Pelé managed to get an unprecedented hat trick against France. But, these goals were not your average tap-in. Pelé displayed his skills by beating the defenders and repeatedly scoring.

But all this was nothing compared to the finals. The buildup for the finals was heated, with both team taking any chance they got to let loose a verbal remark on the other team. Yet, none of the comments in this verbal torrent were praises. However, Brazil held its heads up and played the same dominating game they had displayed against France. Pelé scored a brace making him the youngest player ever to score in World Cup Final.

Pelé later went on to win two more World Cups in 1962, the next cup to be held, and a bit later in 1970. He has left behind countless records, as well as a lasting legacy. To achieve his fame and reach his level of mastery over soccer is a dream for all players alike. He is undoubtedly one of the best players in the history of the sport, and his achievements prove he may be the best. The title of the best player in the world belongs to players such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in today's age, but whether they will ever be able to surpass the legend remains to be the question.