Pelé

Pelé (also known as Edson Arantes do Nascimento) became an international celebrity almost overnight as a result of his performances in the 1958 FIFA World Cup in Sweden.

There at the tender age of 17, he scored one goal against Wales, three against France and then two against Sweden in the World Cup Final. He missed the 1962 World Cup final in Chile through injury, but won his second World Cup medal in 1970 when Brazil beat Italy 4-1 in Mexico. In between Pelé led his club team from the port of Santos to the World Club title in 1962 and 1963 and his presence made Santos the most famous club in the world until his first retirement in 1974. 

During his career he played in 93 full internationals for Brazil and in all first class matches scored a remarkable 1,280 goals, second only to Artur Friedenreich, another Brazilian, who holds the world record with 1,329. 

Pele's retirement at Santos in 1974 was thought to be final but in 1975 he stunned the world by signing for the New York Cosmos. His arrival produced a surge in interest and participation in soccer throughout the United States.  Attendance at NASL games in which Pele played attracted record crowds. Other world famous players discovered the NASL and followed Pelé to the USA including such international superstars as Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Müller, Johan Cruyff, Johan Neeskens, Eusebio, Carlos Alberto, and George Best. 

This resulted in the media giving stronger support for soccer and the development of the American players so that the US Men's National Team became strong enough to qualify for the 1990 World Cup in Italy for the first time since 1950. The NASL propelled by Pele's arrival spawned youth leagues for boys and girls across the country helping soccer become a major sport in high schools and colleges nationwide. There can be no doubt that Pelé had a massive impact on soccer in the United States.

Hall of Famer Spotlight: Pelé, born Edson Arantes do Nascimento has perhaps the most recognizable face in the world. When people hear the name Pelé they think of one thing - soccer. more>

North American Soccer League Statistics