ON THIS DAY | 23 October 1940: The birth of PELÉ.

Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento in Três Corações, Brazil, on this day in 1940, Pelé grew up in poverty, practising with makeshift balls before rising to become one of the greatest footballers in the world.

It wasn’t just the goals. It was how he played.

Pelé possessed elite dribbling skills, gliding past defenders with balance, speed and close control. He could shoot with either foot, making him unpredictable and dangerous from almost any angle. His aerial ability was extraordinary, too — he could leap above defenders and score with powerful, precisely timed headers despite often facing taller opponents.

He combined strength with astonishing agility, vision with instinct, and individual brilliance with an understanding of how to bring his teammates into the game. He could create a moment of magic out of seemingly nothing.

At a time when football could be more rigid and tactical, Pelé brought flair, improvisation, creativity and joy. He played with the freedom of a street footballer and the precision of a master craftsman. He didn't simply play the game; he entertained, inspired and made people fall in love with it.

That’s why he came to personify “the beautiful game” — football as artistry, imagination and pure excitement.

Pelé was just 17 when he helped Brazil win the 1958 World Cup, scoring twice in the final. He went on to win three World Cups, in 1958, 1962 and 1970 — making him the only player to achieve that feat.

With Brazilian club Santos, he became a global superstar before taking his talents to the New York Cosmos, helping popularise football in the United States.

Known as O Rei, The King — Pelé transcended sport. He became a symbol of Brazilian pride and a worldwide ambassador for football, inspiring generations of players who followed.

He passed away in December 2022, aged 82, but his influence remains visible every time a player takes on a defender, attempts the unexpected or brings a crowd to its feet.

Pelé once said: “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing.”