Pelé, regarded as one of the greatest footballers, amassed significant wealth throughout his career. In detail, we explore Pelé’s net worth, career earnings, and financial insights.
Pelé Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Edson Arantes do Nascimento |
| Popular Name | Pelé |
| Gender | Male |
| Birth Date | October 23, 1940 |
| Age | Died at 82 (December 29, 2022) |
| Parents | João Ramos do Nascimento (Dondinho), Celeste Arantes |
| Siblings | 2 (including brother Zoca) |
| Birthplace | Três Corações, Minas Gerais, Brazil |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Ethnicity | Afro-Brazilian |
| Marital Status | Married (last wife: Marcia Cibele Aoki) |
| Wife/Spouse | Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi (m. 1966; div. 1982) Assíria Lemos Seixas (m. 1994; div. 2008) Marcia Aoki (m. 2016) |
| Children | 7, including Edinho and Joshua Nascimento |
| Net Worth | $100 million |
| Source of Wealth | Football, endorsements |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
| Position(s) | Forward |
| Foot | Right |
| Died | 29 December 2022 (aged 82) São Paulo, Brazil |
| Current club | Retired |
| Outfitter | Puma |
| Youth career | 1953–1956: Bauru |
| Senior career | 1956-1974: Santos (583 Apps, 569 Gls) 1975-1977: NY Cosmos (64 Apps, 37 Gls) |
| International career | 1957-1971: Brazil (92 Apps, 77 Gls) |
| Medal record | FIFA World Cup (1958, 1962, 1970) |
What is the Net Worth Of Pelé?
Pelé’s net worth was estimated at $100 million at the time of his passing. Despite retiring from football in 1977, his endorsements and iconic status continued to generate wealth.
Compared to some of the Richest soccer players, Pelé’s fortune is remarkable but not as high as that of current footballers. Below are some notable names in similar financial positions:
- Dave Whelan
- Sir Alex Ferguson
- Sven-Göran Eriksson
- Franz Beckenbauer
What is the Salary/Income of Pelé?
Pelé’s salary during his playing career was substantial for his era, but by today’s standards, it would seem modest. While playing for Santos FC, he earned regular football wages typical for Brazilian players.
However, his real financial breakthrough came when he signed with the New York Cosmos in 1975. His contract reportedly paid him $2.8 million per year, making him the highest-paid athlete at the time.
In addition to football salaries, his wealth was significantly bolstered by endorsement deals. Pelé endorsed significant global brands such as Puma, Volkswagen, and Procter & Gamble, securing tens of millions in endorsements throughout his post-retirement years.
In fact, Forbes estimated Pelé’s endorsement income to be $15 million in 2015 alone, placing him among the highest-paid retired athletes.
Pelé’s partnership with Puma, which famously paid him $120,000 for simply tying his shoes before a 1970 World Cup semi-final match, is among sports’ most iconic endorsement stories. This deal and others allowed him to earn significant income long after his playing days ended.
Overview of Pelé
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pelé, was a Brazilian professional footballer who played as a forward. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the sport’s history, Pelé’s career achievements are unparalleled.
He scored 1,279 goals in 1,363 games, including friendlies, a record recognized by Guinness World Records. In 1999, the International Olympic Committee named him Athlete of the Century and included him in Time’s list of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century.
In 2000, he was voted World Player of the Century by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS). He shared the FIFA Player of the Century title with Diego Maradona.
Pelé began his professional career at Santos at age 15 and debuted for the Brazil national team at 16. He is the only player to have won three FIFA World Cups (1958, 1962, and 1970). With 77 goals in 92 games for Brazil, he held the national team’s top goalscorer record for over fifty years.
At club level, Pelé is Santos’s all-time top goalscorer with 643 goals in 659 games. He led Santos to significant victories in the 1962 and 1963 Copa Libertadores and the Intercontinental Cup.
Known for his “electrifying play” and ability to score spectacular goals, Pelé was a global star. He was the best-paid athlete during his playing days and became a worldwide ambassador for football after retiring in 1977.
His influence extended beyond the pitch. He supported policies to improve social conditions for people with low incomes in Brazil. Throughout his career and retirement, Pelé received numerous awards for his contributions to football, solidifying his legacy as a true icon of the sport.
Early years
Pelé, born Edson Arantes do Nascimento on 23 October 1940 in Três Corações, Minas Gerais, is the son of Fluminense footballer Dondinho (born João Ramos do Nascimento) and Celeste Arantes. He was the elder of two siblings, with his brother Zoca also playing for Santos, though achieving a different level of success.
Named after the American inventor Thomas Edison, a clerical error on his birth certificate resulted in his name often being recorded as “Edison” instead of “Edson.” Initially nicknamed “Dico” by his family, he later acquired the nickname “Pelé,” allegedly from mispronouncing the name of Vasco da Gama goalkeeper Bilé.
Pelé’s early life was marked by poverty in Bauru, São Paulo. He earned extra money in tea shops and played football with improvised balls made from socks stuffed with newspaper or grapefruits.
Taught by his father, he played for various amateur teams, eventually leading Bauru Atlético Clube juniors to two São Paulo state youth championships under coach Waldemar de Brito. In his mid-teens, he excelled in futsal, a sport recently gaining popularity in Bauru.
Pelé’s futsal experience was instrumental in developing his quick thinking and technical skills. At 14, he became the top scorer in a local tournament, bolstering his confidence and preparing him for future challenges.
Club career
Santos
In 1956, de Brito introduced Pelé to Santos FC in São Paulo, bringing forth a 15-year-old prodigy. During his trial at Estádio Vila Belmiro, Pelé impressed coach Lula, which led to a professional contract in June 1956.
His debut on September 7, 1956, against Corinthians de Santo André, was remarkable. He scored in a 7–1 victory, signaling the beginning of a prolific career.
By 1957, Pelé had secured a starting place and emerged as the league’s top scorer at 16. His exceptional performance earned him a call-up to the Brazil national team ten months into his professional career.
Despite the allure of major European clubs like Real Madrid and Juventus, Pelé chose to stay with Santos, a decision reinforced when Brazil’s President declared him an ‘official national treasure’ in 1961.
Pelé’s first significant achievement came in 1958 with Santos’ Campeonato Paulista victory, where he scored 58 goals, a standing record. His contributions continued with victories in the Torneio Rio-São Paulo in 1959 and the Taça Brasil in 1960, propelling Santos to international competitions like the Copa Libertadores.
Santos’s most successful Copa Libertadores season began in 1962 when they were seeded in Group One alongside Cerro Porteño and Deportivo Municipal Bolivia. The team won every match in their group except one, a 1–1 tie against Cerro.
Santos defeated Universidad Católica in the semi-finals and faced defending champions Peñarol in the finals. Pelé scored twice in the playoff match, securing the first title for a Brazilian club. Pelé was the second top scorer in the competition, scoring four goals.
That year, Santos defended the Campeonato Paulista (Pelé scored 37 goals) and the Taça Brasil (Pelé scored four goals in the final against Botafogo). Santos also won the 1962 Intercontinental Cup against Benfica, with Pelé scoring a hat-trick in Lisbon, resulting in a 5–2 victory.
As defending champions in the 1963 Copa Libertadores, Santos automatically reached the semi-finals and retained the title after victories over Botafogo and Boca Juniors.
Pelé scored crucial goals, including a hat-trick in the second leg against Botafogo. Santos defeated Boca Juniors home and away, becoming the first Brazilian team to lift the Copa Libertadores on Argentine soil.
Pelé ended the tournament with five goals. Santos also won the Rio-São Paulo tournament and retained the Intercontinental Cup and Taça Brasil.
In the 1964 Copa Libertadores, Santos was beaten in both semi-final legs by Independiente but won the Campeonato Paulista, with Pelé scoring 34 goals.
The club shared the Rio-São Paulo title with Botafogo and won the Taça Brasil for the fourth consecutive year.
In the 1965 Copa Libertadores, Santos reached the semi-finals but was eliminated by Peñarol in a playoff match. However, Pelé finished as the tournament’s top scorer with eight goals.
In December 1965, Santos clinched their fifth consecutive Taça Brasil title, with Pelé scoring the decisive goal in the final series.
The following year, however, Santos failed to defend the title, suffering a 9-4 aggregate defeat to Cruzeiro, despite Pelé’s efforts. The club rebounded by securing the Campeonato Paulista titles in 1967, 1968, and 1969.
Notably, on November 19, 1969, Pelé achieved a historic milestone by scoring his 1,000th goal, famously known as O Milésimo, through a penalty kick against Vasco da Gama at the Maracanã Stadium.
This goal was a personal achievement and a testament to his longevity, skill, and influence in the sport.
In 1969, amidst the Nigerian Civil War, it was reported that both factions agreed upon a 48-hour ceasefire to watch Pelé play an exhibition match in Lagos, which resulted in a 2-2 draw.
This match and the ceasefire accompanying it were a testament to Pelé’s global influence and the unifying power of sports. Despite doubts about the ceasefire’s authenticity, increased security at the game highlighted its significance.
Throughout his tenure at Santos, Pelé formed remarkable partnerships with notable players such as Zito, Pepe, and Coutinho.
After 19 seasons and 643 goals, Pelé left Brazilian football, holding the record for most goals scored for a single club until surpassed by Lionel Messi in December 2020.
Tours with Santos
Pelé’s international exhibition tours with Santos were not just about football. They were about connecting with fans from various countries and showcasing his football talents globally.
In Spain, he played against prominent clubs Real Madrid and Barcelona, while in Italy, he faced Juventus, Inter Milan, AC Milan, and AS Roma.
In 1973, Pelé’s travels included a match in Egypt against Al Ahly, shortly after playing in Kuwait against Qadsia.
During his visit to Kuwait, Pelé’s encounter with Egyptian movie star Zubaida Tharwat was a testament to his global popularity.
Tharwat, invited by the Kuwaiti Minister of Culture, was surprised by the crowd and flowers at her hotel, and Pelé himself adorned her with a collar of roses. Unfamiliar with football, Tharwat learned about Pelé from the hotel staff.
She later recounted that Pelé was captivated by her beauty and persistently expressed his admiration, even wanting to take her to Brazil. Their paths crossed again in Cairo, but language barriers hindered further communication.
New York Cosmos
After the 1974 season, Pelé retired from Brazilian club football, although he occasionally played for Santos. His retirement marked the end of an era in Brazilian football, and his absence was keenly felt.
In 1975, he signed with the New York Cosmos of the NASL. During a chaotic press conference at New York’s 21 Club, the Cosmos unveiled Pelé, highlighting his unmatched superstar status. Despite being past his prime, Pelé significantly boosted public awareness and interest in soccer in the US.
His debut on June 15, 1975, against the Dallas Tornado, resulted in a 2–2 draw, with Pelé scoring a goal. Pelé’s presence paved the way for stars like Giorgio Chinaglia, Franz Beckenbauer, and Carlos Alberto to join NASL.
1977 Pelé led the Cosmos to the Soccer Bowl title, attracting record crowds. He officially ended his playing career on August 28, 1977, with a 2–1 win over the Seattle Sounders.
On October 1, 1977, he played his final game in an exhibition match between the Cosmos and Santos, scoring a memorable 30-yard free-kick.
Early Football Contracts and Career Earning
Pelé’s career began in 1956 when he signed with Santos FC, a Brazilian club. As a young player, his early wages were modest by today’s standards, but they were significant for a teenager at the time.
He quickly became the team’s top scorer and was already one of the highest-paid players in Brazil by age 16.
Pelé’s talent was undeniable, and his team’s success in the Copa Libertadores and other tournaments only added to his value. During this period, many European clubs, including Real Madrid and Inter Milan, sought to sign him.
However, the Brazilian government declared him a “national treasure,” preventing him from playing overseas. Instead of being a setback, this move kept him with Santos FC, where he earned a respectable salary for his time, though not comparable to today’s football earnings.
This resilience in the face of challenges is a testament to his determination and adds another layer to his inspiring journey.
In 1975, Pelé moved to the New York Cosmos, marking a significant shift in his financial status. His contract with the Cosmos was groundbreaking, offering him a $2.8 million yearly salary for three years. Adjusted for inflation, this made him the highest-paid athlete in the world at the time.
This deal elevated his financial status and helped raise his football profile in the United States, attracting other international stars to the league. Football enthusiasts can take pride in the global impact of his move.
International career
1958 World Cup Performance
Pelé’s first international match was a 2–1 defeat against Argentina on 7 July 1957 at the Maracanã. Despite the loss, he scored his first goal for Brazil at just 16 years and eight months, making him the youngest goalscorer for his country.
Arriving in Sweden for the 1958 World Cup, Pelé was sidelined by a knee injury. His teammates insisted on his selection upon his return.
His first match was against the USSR in the first round, where he assisted in Vavá’s second goal. At the time, he was the youngest player to participate in the World Cup.
In the semi-final against France, Brazil led 2–1 at halftime, and Pelé scored a hat-trick, becoming the youngest player in World Cup history to do so.
On 29 June 1958, he became the youngest player to play in a World Cup final at 17 years and 249 days, scoring two goals in Brazil’s 5–2 victory over Sweden. His first goal, a flick over a defender before volleying into the net, is considered one of the best in World Cup history.
Pelé finished the tournament with six goals in four matches, earning him the title of best young player and retroactively awarded the Silver Ball as the second-best player.
1959 South American Championship
In the 1959 South American Championship, Pelé was named the tournament’s best player and emerged as the top scorer with eight goals.
Despite finishing second, Brazil remained unbeaten. Pelé scored in five of Brazil’s six games, including a hat-trick against Paraguay and two goals against Chile. This performance solidified his status as a footballing prodigy.
1962 World Cup
During the 1962 World Cup, Pelé was widely regarded as the best player in the world. In Brazil’s first match against Mexico, he assisted the first goal and scored the second after a remarkable run past four defenders.
Unfortunately, he suffered an injury in the next game against Czechoslovakia, ruling him out for the rest of the tournament. Despite his absence, Garrincha stepped up, leading Brazil to their second World Cup title. Pelé received his winner’s medal retroactively in 2007 after FIFA changed its regulations.
1966 World Cup Campaign
During the 1966 World Cup in England, Brazil fielded world champions such as Garrincha, Gilmar, Djalma Santos, and other stars, leading to high expectations. However, they were eliminated in the first round after playing only three matches.
Pelé scored the first goal from a free kick against Bulgaria, becoming the first player to score in three successive FIFA World Cups. Due to brutal fouls, Pelé was injured and missed the game against Hungary, which Brazil lost.
He returned for the crucial match against Portugal but was fouled again, leading to his injury and Brazil’s elimination.
1970 World Cup
The 1970 World Cup in Mexico marked an extraordinary chapter in football history, highlighted by the legendary Brazil team.
The squad is the most outstanding football team, featuring Pelé, Rivellino, Jairzinho, Gérson, Carlos Alberto Torres, Tostão, and Clodoaldoeam. Pelé’s pivotal role was evident from the start, scoring in the 4–1 victory over Czechoslovakia and nearly achieving a remarkable goal from midfield.
His contribution continued with two goals against Romania and an assist in Brazil’s 4–2 win over Peru. In the semi-final, Pelé’s famous feint against Uruguay’s goalkeeper remains iconic despite missing the goal.
In the final against Italy, Pelé scored the opening goal and made key assists, culminating in Brazil’s 4–1 triumph and permanent securing of the Jules Rimet Trophy.
Pelé’s Golden Ball award as the tournament’s best player underscored his influence, directly responsible for 53% of Brazil’s goals.
Style of play
Pelé’s football career is a shining example of adaptability and versatility. In his early years, he showcased these qualities by playing in various attacking positions.
Starting as a striker or center forward inside the penalty area, he used his exceptional goal-scoring ability and anticipation skills to finish chances effectively with both feet.
His transition to an inside forward or second striker, where he displayed many skills, clearly showed his evolution as a player.
As he matured, Pelé transitioned into a playmaking role behind the strikers, often taking up the position of an attacking midfielder. During this period, he has highlighted his unique playing style, a combination of speed, creativity, technical skill, and physical power. His vision, intelligence, precise passing, flair, and agility made him a formidable opponent on the field.
Pelé’s career was not just about his on-field abilities. His sportsmanship and charismatic leadership also marked it. His iconic embrace of Bobby Moore during the 1970 World Cup, a symbol of respect and camaraderie, captured the essence of sportsmanship in football. This act solidified Pelé’s reputation as a fair and influential player.
Endorsement Deals
While Pelé’s football career provided a steady income stream, his wealth exploded through endorsement deals. As his fame grew, brands lined up to associate with him. One of the most famous endorsement stories involves Puma, where Pelé received $120,000 for simply tying his shoes before a 1970 World Cup semi-final match.
This deal with Puma, one of the earliest and most lucrative endorsement contracts for a sports star, was a significant milestone in the history of sports marketing. It demonstrated Pelé’s value beyond the football field and the potential for athletes to earn substantial income from endorsements.
Pelé’s partnerships didn’t stop there. Over the years, he worked with global companies like Volkswagen, Procter & Gamble, Subway, and Emirates Airlines. Even decades after retirement, Forbes reported Pelé earned $15 million from endorsements in 2015 alone.
This highlights how his name remained synonymous with success long after his playing days were over. Pelé acknowledged that much of his wealth came from advertising rather than football, underscoring the importance of branding in his financial success.
Real Estate and Assets
Apart from endorsements, Pelé invested in real estate, adding another dimension to his financial portfolio. In 1974, after moving to the United States, he purchased an apartment in New York City. In 1979, he expanded his holdings, buying a waterfront property in East Hampton, New York, for $156,000.
This property, which he later listed for sale at $3.25 million, exemplifies how Pelé’s wealth grew through his contracts, endorsements, and intelligent real estate investments. He also owned several properties in Brazil, including an oceanfront compound in Guarujá, where he spent much of his time.
His investments in Brazilian real estate also contributed significantly to his net worth, offering him financial stability even after his playing career ended.
Pelé owned several properties in Brazil, including an oceanfront compound in Guarujá, where he spent much of his time.
His investments in Brazilian real estate also contributed significantly to his net worth, offering him financial stability even after his playing career ended.
Personal Life and Financial Legacy
Pelé’s personal life played a role in shaping his financial story. He was married three times and had seven children, including some from extramarital affairs.
When he died in 2022, his widow, Marcia Cibele Aoki, inherited 30% of his assets, including his mansion in Guarujá. The remaining 70% was distributed among his children. However, legal proceedings are still ongoing concerning a woman who claims to be his unrecognized daughter.
DNA testing is being conducted to determine if she is entitled to a portion of the estate, which could potentially impact the distribution of Pelé’s wealth.
Despite his passing, Pelé’s financial legacy continues to grow. The Pelé brand remains highly valuable, with continued income from royalties, licensing agreements, and other ventures tied to his image. Even after his playing days were over, this enduring value of his brand is a testament to his lasting impact and is sure to impress the audience.
Honors
Pelé began his illustrious journey with Santos FC, where he led the team to numerous victories, including six Campeonato Brasileiro Série A titles (1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1968) and two Copa Libertadores titles (1962, 1963).
His prowess on the field also earned Santos two Intercontinental Cups (1962, 1963), cementing their place in global football history.
Domestically, Pelé’s brilliance shone through in the Campeonato Paulista, where he was the top scorer in eleven seasons and led Santos to ten championships.
Internationally, Pelé’s legend grew even more. Representing Brazil, he won three FIFA World Cup titles (1958, 1962, 1970), an unparalleled feat that showcases his enduring dominance on the world stage.
His performances in these tournaments were magical, earning him the FIFA World Cup Best Young Player award in 1958 and the Golden Ball for Best Player in 1970.
Pelé’s record as the youngest player to score in a World Cup final at 17 years and 249 days remains unbroken.
Pelé’s accolades are a testament to his extraordinary talent and impact on the sport. In 2000, he was named FIFA Player of the Century, an honor he shares with Diego Maradona.
He was also awarded the FIFA Centennial Award in 2004 and was included in the FIFA 100 Greatest Living Footballers list. His influence extended beyond the field as he was named one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Important People of the 20th Century in 1999.
Pelé’s scoring records are legendary. He holds the Guinness World Record for the most career goals in world football, with 1,283 goals in 1,363 games.
His incredible goal-scoring ability earned him the most hat-tricks in football history with 92. He scored 77 goals in 92 appearances for Brazil, boasting a remarkable goals-per-game ratio of 0.84.
In recognition of his contributions to football and his humanitarian efforts, Pelé received numerous honors and awards. He was knighted as a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1997 and was elected a Goodwill Ambassador by UNESCO in 1993.
His legacy is further immortalized by his induction into various Halls of Fame and by prestigious awards such as the International Peace Award and the FIFA Presidential Award.
Conclusion
Pelé’s financial legacy inspires athletes worldwide, proving that success on the field can translate into long-term wealth.
FC Bayern Net Worth encourages readers to leave comments, share thoughts, and explore more insightful content at fcbayernnetworth.com.
I’m Archie Rhind-Tutt, a sports correspondent for ESPN, specializing in German soccer, particularly the Bundesliga. My reporting brings in-depth analysis and engaging storytelling to a global audience. Additionally, I author FC Bayern Net Worth (fcbayernnetworth.com), a website similar to Celebrity Net Worth but focused exclusively on football players. There, I explore and analyze the financial aspects and net worth of football stars, providing insights into their earnings and financial decisions. My expertise in sports finance allows me to deliver detailed and compelling content for readers interested in the economic intricacies of the football world.
