King In Life

1940's 1950's 1960's 1970's 1980's 1990's 2000's

Italian clubs attempt to lure Pelé away from Santos. To counter, he is declared a national treasure by the president of Brazil, Janio Quadras, and therefore a non-exportable commodity.

Pelé scores his famous “gol de placa” against Fluminense. São Paulo newspaper, O Espore, erect a commemorative plaque at the Maracanã stadium, which reads, ‘On this field on 5-3-1961 Pelé scored the most beautiful goal in the history of the Maracanã.’

Pelé makes an early exit from the 1962 World Cup finals in Chile after sustaining a groin injury during Brazil’s 0-0 draw against Czechoslovakia in the group stages.

Pelé watches the Final from the stands as Brazil win the trophy for the second time in succession, beating Czechoslovakia 3-1.

Pelé becomes the first black person to appear on the cover of Life magazine, featuring in the Spanish edition.

Physical trainer professor Julio Mazzei joins Santos from the Plameiras Club of São Paulo. He begins his legendary partnership with Pelé which will see him become not only his trainer, but his translator, friend and confidant. Mazzei devises a grueling fitness regime for the Santos players designed to get them through their punishing schedule of 85 games a season.

Pelé and Rosemeri Cholbi marry at a brief civil ceremony at Pelé’s Santos home on Carnival Monday. This is followed by a Roman Catholic church service.

Pelé and Brazil are knocked out of the 1966 World Cup in England by Portugal. During the match, Pelé is injured by a series of rough challenges by opposing defenders. Disgusted by the lack of protection he received from referees, Pelé vows never to play in a World Cup again.

Pelé and Rosemeri’s first child, Kelly Cristina, is born.

Pelé scores his thousandth career goal in front of a delirious crowd at the Maracanã. It is from a penalty against Vasco da Gama in the seventy-eighth minute. Santos win the match 2-1. Afterwards Pelé sobs as he dedicates the landmark strike to his country’s young underclass. ‘Remember the children,’ he says. ‘Never forget Brazil’s poor children.’