The Legend Begins
Santos
In 1956, a 15-year-old signed his first professional contract with Santos Futebol Clube. This boy, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known as Pelé, had no idea he was about to start one of the most illustrious careers in football history. Discovered by former player Waldemar de Brito, Pelé quickly demonstrated his exceptional talent on the field.
Early Years and Rise to Fame
Pelé made his official debut for Santos in September 1956, scoring his first goal in his second game. It didn't take long for his skills to catch everyone's attention. In 1957, at just 16, Pelé became the top scorer of the Campeonato Paulista, a feat he would repeat several times throughout his career.
During the 1960s, Santos, driven by Pelé's talent, dominated the Brazilian football scene. The team won eight Campeonato Paulista titles (1958, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1967, 1968), six Brazilian Championships (1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1968), and five Taça Brasil titles (1961-1965). Pelé was the maestro, leading the team with his skill, vision, and precision.
National Glory and Achievements
The 1960s were marked by numerous memorable performances by Pelé. One of the most iconic was the match against Benfica in the 1962 Intercontinental Cup final, where Pelé scored three goals, securing Santos' victory. In 1969, Pelé reached the historic milestone of 1000 career goals, a feat celebrated worldwide.
Memorable Matches and Historic Milestones
Farewell to the Fields
Pelé stayed with Santos until 1974, when he announced his retirement from the club. His last official match took place on October 2nd of that year, against Ponte Preta. The game was an emotional event, filled with tributes to one of the greatest athletes of all time.
International Supremacy
Pelé's talent was not confined to Brazil. Santos won the Copa Libertadores in 1962 and 1963, with Pelé playing a crucial role in these victories. These achievements led Santos to compete in the Intercontinental Cup, which they won in the same years, establishing themselves as one of the best teams in the world.
Eternal Legacy
During the 18 years Pelé wore the Santos jersey, he not only won titles but also revolutionized football with his skill, creativity, and charisma. Pelé scored over 1000 goals for the club, becoming a living legend and an eternal symbol of Santos Futebol Clube. His journey with Santos was not just a career but an epic tale that inspired generations and immortalized his name in the history of sports.