Person in history

Pelé

Pelé, Brazilian footballer (born 1940)

Life at a glance

Died
2022 · December 29
Known as
association football player, politician, film actor, actor, and athlete. Citizenship: Brazil

Their story

Who they were

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known by his nickname Pelé, was a Brazilian professional footballer who played as a forward. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in history, he was among the most successful and popular sports figures of the 20th century. His 1,279 goals in 1,363 games, which includes exhibition games, is recognised as a Guinness World Record. In 1999,

Path and career

Worked with / for: United Nations.

Awards / honours: Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire, Order of Rio Branco, honorary citizen of Baltimore, and Distinguished Guest of Mexico City.

Why this date

Pelé appears on our December 29 calendar for 2022 as a death entry.

Sources

Cite this page

“Pelé”, What's On This Date, https://whatsonthisdate.com/app/people/pele, accessed October 25, 2026.

Cite the underlying source as well — the source links above go to the record this entry is adapted from.

Questions about Pelé

When did Pelé die?

December 29 2022.

Who else was born on this day?

The date page lists everyone we hold for that calendar day.

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