We already brought you our list of 15 things you probably didn’t know about Pele, and now we’re back with part two! Check out eight more interesting things you may not know about the greatest footballer ever to come out of Brazil, and maybe the world. You might be surprised by what you learn!
Number Eight: He Was Inspired by His Father’s Tears. After Brazil lost the FIFA World Cup to Uruguay in 1950, Pele saw his father crying. He responded by telling him, “Don’t worry. One day I’ll win it.”
Number Seven: There Is a Mobile Pele Museum. In Brazil, a Pele museum on wheels travels all around the country to share information about the world’s greatest soccer player. The museum is sponsored by Coca-Cola.
Number Six: His First Football Team Came From Humble Beginnings. Pele belonged to a football team with a bunch of his neighborhood friends growing up. He and his team called themselves the “shoeless ones.”
Number Five: He Is an Official National Treasure. In 1961, the Brazilian government stated that Pele was an official national treasure. They did this to stop Pele from being transferred to any foreign clubs.
Number Four: He Had a Poorly Constructed First Contract. When Pele signed for Santos in 1956, it was his first professional contract. However, when he signed, he agreed to just $10 a month. We bet he got a raise in the very near future.
Number Three: He Originally Hated the Name Pele. A classmate in school is responsible for giving Pele the name he goes by today. However, when Pele heard his classmate give him the nickname, he punched him in the face.
Number Two: He Didn’t Like Diving. According to the man himself, “A penalty is a cowardly way to score.” Judging from that statement alone, we’re guessing Pele wouldn’t be too pleased with the way football games often go today.
Number One: He Is a Serious Philanthropist. Pele has used his fame to raise millions of dollars for charities all over the world. Some charities Pele supports include Great Ormond Street and Harmond Street Soccer. Is there anything not to love about Pele? We don’t think so.