Pelé - by Pele Pele (Paperback)

About the Book

"Even people who don't know football know Pelâe. The best of a generation of Brazilian players universally acknowledged as the most accomplished and attractive group of footballers ever to play the game, he won the World Cup three times and is Brazil's all-time record goalscorer. But how did this man -- a sportsman, a mere footballer, like many others -- become a global icon? Was it just by being the best at what he did, or do people respond to some other quality? The world's greatest footballer now gives us the full story of his incredible life and career. Told with his characteristic grace and modesty, but covering all aspects of his playing days and his subsequent careers as politician, international sporting ambassador and cultural icon, PELE is an essential volume for all sports fans, and anyone who admires true rarity of spirit."--

Book Synopsis

"For an American soccer kid growing up in the '80s, Pelé transcended the game. From the moment I first saw him standing next to Sylvester Stallone and Michael Caine in Victory, there was only one star for me on that screen. Pelé's exciting memoir revives all the groundbreaking moments of the best there ever was."
--Alexi Lalas, journalist, retired professional US soccer player

The man. The legend. The autobiography.

Even people who don't know soccer know Pelé, the universally acknowledged best player of all time. Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, "Pelé" was the youngest player to score a goal in and win the World Cup at age seventeen, the only player to win the World Cup three times, and the all-time goal scorer for Brazil. His international career helped introduce soccer to Americans, and he popularized describing the sport as "the beautiful game."

But how did this man become a global icon? In Pelé My Story, Pelé shares in his own words the story of his incredible life and career. Told with his characteristic charm and humility, and covering all aspects of his playing days and his subsequent careers as politician, international sporting ambassador, and cultural icon, this book is the essential volume for all sports fans, and anyone who admires true rarity of spirit.

Review Quotes

"An inspiring story. . . . Pelé's innate dignity and modesty shine through in this book."
--Sunday Telegraph

"Pelé has a mythical status in football and he adds to it in Pelé The Autobiography."
--Sunday Times

"Pelé's rise to football superstardom is described with grace and modesty and explains why he was beloved by the whole world."
--Daily Mail

"Of huge interest even to readers indifferent to its story of prowess trouncing prejudice. . . . Every dressing room, let alone every changing room, should have one."
--Independent

About the Author

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known to the world as Pelé, won the World Cup with Brazil in 1958, 1962 and 1970. He scored nearly 1,300 goals in his professional career and is Brazil's record goal scorer with 97 goals. He died in 2022 at age 82.