"Legend", "hero" and "genius" are commonplace in footballing circles. The greatest of all time can be Pele, who remains the only player to have won three World Cups and almost reached a goal per game, scoring 1,279 in 1,363 appearances.
Born in Brazil in 1940, Edson Arantes do Nascimento was given the nickname Pele at school. Later, he played for local amateur teams throughout his youth and developed his skills as well as physical strength.
Pele signed professional papers in 1956, joining top-flight Brazilian side Santos FC. On his debut(首秀), he scored and by the following year, he was the league's top scorer and called up to the Brazilian national team. In 1958, he scored 58 goals in Santos FC-a record that remains unbeaten. In the same year, Pele made his World Cup debut and led Brazil to the champion, making him the youngest player to take part in, score in and win the final. On November 19, 1969, Pele scored his 1,000th goal in all competitions. Brazil won a third World Cup in 1970, with Pele scoring the opening goal in the final against Italy. He remained at Santos for 19 seasons, and retired from Brazilian club football in 1974.
The following year he signed for North American Soccer League side New York Cosmos. In his first public appearance in Boston, many fans crowded to the field when he scored, causing him injury and being carried from the field of play on a stretcher(担架). Pele's last professional match took place in August 1977, with Pele scoring his last goal, a free kick for Cosmos, from thirty yards.
Following his retirement from football, Pele dedicated his life to ambassador(大使) work, being appointed UN ambassador for ecology and the environment in 1992 and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in 1994. University of Edinburgh awarded him an honorary degree for his contribution to humanitarian and environmental causes, as well as his sporting achievements, and an honorary knighthood followed, with Queen Elizabeth II presenting the honor in 1997.