Pelé’s Life in Photos: Remember the Soccer Legend on the First Anniversary of His Death

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December 29, 2023 9:45AM EST
Pele
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Remember Pelé, one of soccer’s biggest stars of all time. See his life in photos, here, in honor of the first anniversary of his death.

Soccer icon Pelé passed away at 82 on December 29, 2022. The Brazilian football legend, born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, passed away at a Sao Paolo hospital after extended health struggles, as confirmed by his manager Joe Fraga to the New York Times. His physicians previously shared he was battling cancer and “kidney and cardiac dysfunctions.”

Pelé brought the World Cup to his native Brazil three times. During his career, he scored a whopping 1,283 goals over 1,367 professional matches. He retired from Brazilian soccer in 1974, and hung up his jersey for good in 1977 after three season playing in New York.

For more memories of Pelé, look through our gallery here.

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Pelé Scores in 1970

Pelé Scores in 1970
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Goooal! Pelé celebrated a goal in the 1970 World Cup in this photo. He was wearing yellow for Brazil. They competed and won against Italy in the finals.

December 29, 2022, 2:21PM
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Pelé in 1976

Pelé in 1976
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Pelé played for the New York Cosmos after he retired in Brazil. Here, he’s seen during a 1976 game against the L.A. Aztecs.(NY Cosmos) New York Cosmos v Los Angeles (LA) Aztecs 17 May 1976 North Amercian Soccer League (NASL) NASL 1976: NY Cosmos 6 LA Aztecs 0
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December 29, 2022, 2:25PM
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Pelé in 1977

Pelé in 1977
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Pelé’s official farewell to football game during a 1977 exhibition game. He played the first half with his team the New York Cosmos before swapping jerseys to play with his hometeam town Santos during the Jan. 1977 game at Giants Stadium.

December 29, 2022, 2:21PM
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Pelé in 1978

Pelé in 1978
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Pelé was also rather fashionable. He rocked a gold buttoned jacket and carried a briefcase during this 1978 New York outing.

December 29, 2022, 2:21PM
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Pelé in 1979

Pelé in 1979
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Here, Pelé looks snazzy in a photo from 1979. His patterned shirt and white jacket were totally to the style of the time.

December 29, 2022, 2:21PM
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Pelé in 1980

Pelé in 1980
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Pelé was a huge ambassador for the sport after hanging up his jersey. Here, he’s seen saluting a crowd in England in 1980.

December 29, 2022, 2:22PM
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Pelé Poses

Pelé Poses
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Pelé was also known for his pleasant attitude. He wore jeans and relaxed in this portrait here.

December 29, 2022, 2:21PM
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Pelé in 1990

Pelé in 1990
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Pelé got into the game during a 50th anniversary match in Milan in 1990. Looked like he still had skills!

December 29, 2022, 2:21PM
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Pelé in 2002

Pelé in 2002
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Pelé smiled in this 2002 portrait taken in London. He sat in a chair while rocking a grey, pinstriped suit.

December 29, 2022, 2:14PM
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Pelé & Ronaldo in 2014

Pelé & Ronaldo in 2014
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Two greats! Cristiano Ronaldo had his son at his side while with Pelé during the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2013 honors in Zurich, Switzerland on Jan. 13, 2014.

December 29, 2022, 2:22PM
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Kaka, Pelé & Beckham in 2014

Kaka, Pelé & Beckham in 2014
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Legends! Players Kaka, Pele, and David Beckham watch the Germany v. Argentina game during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Finals in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Jul. 13, 2014. Pelé gave a huge thumbs up.

December 29, 2022, 2:21PM
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Pelé in 2016

Pelé in 2016
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Pele launched the world’s first human-powered football pitch on Jun. 20, 2016 in London. The eco-positive project was done in association with Shell.

December 29, 2022, 2:21PM
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Pelé in 2017

Pelé in 2017
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Pelé was super handsome at the 2017 GQ Men of the Year Awards at London’s Tate Modern museum on Sep. 5, 2017. He wore a black suit with a bow tie and carried a cane.

December 29, 2022, 2:21PM
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Pelé in Milan

Pelé in Milan
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Pelé was handsome in brown plaid while he celebrated his 80th birthday in Milan in 2020. He was forever an ambassador for his sport.

December 29, 2022, 2:21PM