Discover the greatest footballer Pele. Pelé, often hailed as one of the greatest footballers of all time, is a name that transcends generations and cultures. While most people know about his three FIFA World Cup victories with Brazil and his incredible goal-scoring record, there are many lesser-known facts about this football legend that make his story even more fascinating. Here’s a look at some unique aspects of Pelé's life and career that you might not be familiar with, alongside an exciting announcement about our upcoming limited edition Minix 12 cm Football Legends figurines.
Lesser-Known Facts About Pelé
1. A Unique Nickname**
While "Pelé" is a name recognized worldwide, it’s not his birth name. Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Pelé’s nickname came from his mispronunciation of the name of a local goalkeeper, "Bilé," when he was a child. The nickname stuck, and soon the whole world knew him as Pelé, though he himself was not fond of it at first!
2. Scored a Goal Before a Military Coup**
In 1969, Pelé scored his 1,000th goal during a match against Vasco da Gama. This goal came at a time of political turmoil in Brazil, and just hours after Pelé's iconic goal, a military coup took place in the country. The goal, known as "O Milésimo," remains a legendary moment in football history, symbolizing more than just sports.
3. More Than Just a Footballer**
Beyond his football career, Pelé was also an actor and musician. He recorded several songs, including a collaboration with Brazilian music legend Gilberto Gil. Pelé starred in movies as well, most notably in the film "Escape to Victory" (1981), alongside other football stars and actors like Sylvester Stallone.
4. A National Treasure**
In 1961, the Brazilian government declared Pelé an official national treasure to prevent him from being transferred to a foreign club. This unprecedented move ensured that Pelé remained in Brazil, playing for Santos FC, where he contributed significantly to the club's domestic and international success.
5. The Ambassador**
After retiring from professional football, Pelé served as a global ambassador for football, promoting the sport and engaging in various philanthropic activities. He was a Goodwill Ambassador for UNESCO and even held a position as Brazil's Extraordinary Minister for Sport, advocating for better sports infrastructure and opportunities for youth.
New Limited Edition Minix 12 cm Football Legends Figurines
To celebrate the enduring legacy of Pelé, we’re thrilled to announce the upcoming release of five new limited edition Minix 12 cm Football Legends figurines. Each figurine captures Pelé in one of his iconic kits:
1. **Brazil First Kit**: The classic yellow and green of Brazil's national team, representing the colors Pelé wore when he won his World Cups.
2. **Brazil Second Kit**: The less commonly seen blue kit, which Pelé famously wore during Brazil's 1958 World Cup final victory.
3. **Santos Kit**: The black and white kit of Santos FC, the club where Pelé spent the majority of his career, scoring over 600 goals and winning numerous titles.
4. **NY Cosmos Kit**: After leaving Santos, Pelé played for the New York Cosmos, helping to popularize soccer in the United States. This figurine captures him in the iconic white Cosmos kit.
5. **Escape to Victory Movie Kit**: This unique figurine features Pelé in the kit from the movie "Escape to Victory," where he played the role of a prisoner of war using football as a means of escape.
These limited edition figurines are a must-have for any football enthusiast or collector. With meticulous attention to detail and a tribute to one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, these figurines not only celebrate Pelé’s incredible career but also the profound impact he had on the world of football.
Be sure to secure your collection when these figurines are released, as they are expected to sell out quickly. Stay tuned for more details on the release date and how you can add these legends to your collection!
Lesser-Known Facts About Pelé
1. A Unique Nickname**
While "Pelé" is a name recognized worldwide, it’s not his birth name. Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Pelé’s nickname came from his mispronunciation of the name of a local goalkeeper, "Bilé," when he was a child. The nickname stuck, and soon the whole world knew him as Pelé, though he himself was not fond of it at first!
2. Scored a Goal Before a Military Coup**
In 1969, Pelé scored his 1,000th goal during a match against Vasco da Gama. This goal came at a time of political turmoil in Brazil, and just hours after Pelé's iconic goal, a military coup took place in the country. The goal, known as "O Milésimo," remains a legendary moment in football history, symbolizing more than just sports.
3. More Than Just a Footballer**
Beyond his football career, Pelé was also an actor and musician. He recorded several songs, including a collaboration with Brazilian music legend Gilberto Gil. Pelé starred in movies as well, most notably in the film "Escape to Victory" (1981), alongside other football stars and actors like Sylvester Stallone.
4. A National Treasure**
In 1961, the Brazilian government declared Pelé an official national treasure to prevent him from being transferred to a foreign club. This unprecedented move ensured that Pelé remained in Brazil, playing for Santos FC, where he contributed significantly to the club's domestic and international success.
5. The Ambassador**
After retiring from professional football, Pelé served as a global ambassador for football, promoting the sport and engaging in various philanthropic activities. He was a Goodwill Ambassador for UNESCO and even held a position as Brazil's Extraordinary Minister for Sport, advocating for better sports infrastructure and opportunities for youth.
New Limited Edition Minix 12 cm Football Legends Figurines
To celebrate the enduring legacy of Pelé, we’re thrilled to announce the upcoming release of five new limited edition Minix 12 cm Football Legends figurines. Each figurine captures Pelé in one of his iconic kits:
1. **Brazil First Kit**: The classic yellow and green of Brazil's national team, representing the colors Pelé wore when he won his World Cups.
2. **Brazil Second Kit**: The less commonly seen blue kit, which Pelé famously wore during Brazil's 1958 World Cup final victory.
3. **Santos Kit**: The black and white kit of Santos FC, the club where Pelé spent the majority of his career, scoring over 600 goals and winning numerous titles.
4. **NY Cosmos Kit**: After leaving Santos, Pelé played for the New York Cosmos, helping to popularize soccer in the United States. This figurine captures him in the iconic white Cosmos kit.
5. **Escape to Victory Movie Kit**: This unique figurine features Pelé in the kit from the movie "Escape to Victory," where he played the role of a prisoner of war using football as a means of escape.
These limited edition figurines are a must-have for any football enthusiast or collector. With meticulous attention to detail and a tribute to one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, these figurines not only celebrate Pelé’s incredible career but also the profound impact he had on the world of football.
Be sure to secure your collection when these figurines are released, as they are expected to sell out quickly. Stay tuned for more details on the release date and how you can add these legends to your collection!