Pelé’s Life in Photos

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Although widely recognized as Pelé, the soccer player’s birth name was Edson Arantes do Nascimento. His parents named him after inventor Thomas Edison (minus the “i”).

Originally called “Dico” by his friends, the soccer star had many nicknames growing up – but Pelé was the one that stuck. In fact, he hated the name at first – but grew to love it.

“I can remember the name really bugged me at first. I was really proud that I was named after Thomas Edison and wanted to be called Edson,” Pelé told The Guardian. “Now I love the name – but back then it wound me up no end.”

Globally recognized as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, Brazilian-born Pelé scored more than 1,000 goals during his professional career and achieved many more milestones besides. Following his death at age 82 on Dec. 29, take a look back at the soccer legend’s incredible achievements over the years