Pele

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Pele (1940-2022), was born in Tres Coraçoes, northwest of Rio de Janeiro. Without money to buy a soccer ball, he had to make it himself with a sock stuffed with newspapers. His father, who was a professional footballer, taught him how to play football and he saved up to buy his first ball by working in local tea shops. When, at age sixteen, he was the top scorer in Brazil's soccer league, the Brazilian president declared him a "national treasure." He scored more than a thousand goals in his career as a professional footballer and, thanks to his talent, the Brazilian national team won three World Cup victories. He is considered one of the most iconic footballers in history.