Pelé and Brazil’s Rise

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known by the world as Pelé, became an international superstar at the age of 17 in 1958, scoring six goals in Sweden to help Brazil win its first World Cup title. Injury minimized his contributions to Brazil’s successful title defense four years later in Chile. Battered at the 1966 World Cup in England, his injuries factored in Brazil’s surprise first-round exit. His legendary status as the greatest footballer of all time was secured in Mexico when he led Brazil to their third World Cup title.