Pele Net Worth – A Legendary Footballer’s Fortune
| Net Worth | $100 million |
|---|---|
| Salary | $10 million per year (peak earning in the mid-1970s) |
| Birthdate | October 23, 1940 |
| Birthplace | Três Corações, Minas Gerais, Brazil |
| Gender | Male |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) |
| Profession | Former professional footballer |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
Highlights
Pele, the beloved and world-renowned Brazilian footballer, had a remarkable net worth of $100 million at the time of his death in December 2022. Widely regarded as the greatest soccer player of all time, Pele’s legacy extends far beyond his playing career. Let’s delve into the life and financial achievements of this legendary sports icon.
Early Life
Pele, with the birth name Edson Arantes do Nascimento, was born on October 23, 1940, in Três Corações, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Coming from a footballing family, Pele’s father Dondinho also played at a professional level. Despite growing up in a poverty-stricken environment, Pele’s passion for football blossomed from a young age. He learned the sport from his father and played with a grapefruit when the family couldn’t afford a soccer ball. It was during these formative years that Pele honed his skills and laid the foundation for his extraordinary career.
Career
Pele’s illustrious career began with Santos FC, where he impressed the coach with his exceptional skills at the age of 15. He signed a professional contract in 1956 and made his debut that same year, scoring in his first match. By the age of 16, he became the top scorer in the Brazilian league. Pele’s talent soon caught the attention of the Brazilian national team, and he represented his country in the 1958 and 1962 World Cups.
While many major clubs vied for Pele’s signature, he remained loyal to Santos and Brazil. His team achieved remarkable success, winning the 1962 Intercontinental Cup and the Copa Libertadores in 1963. Pele’s impact was so profound that a 48-hour truce was called during the Nigerian Civil War to allow both sides to witness him play in Lagos.
In 1975, Pele signed with the New York Cosmos, enticed by a groundbreaking $4.5 million contract that paid him around $1.7 million per year. His move to the United States not only revolutionized the sport but also inspired other soccer legends to follow suit. Pele’s contribution played a pivotal role in captivating a massive American audience and elevating soccer’s popularity in the country.
Personal Life
Outside of his incredible sporting accolades, Pele had a colorful personal life. He was married four times and had a total of seven children. His first marriage was to Rosemeri dos Reis Cholbi, with whom he had three children. They divorced in 1982, and Pele began a relationship with Brazilian TV presenter Xuxa, who was 17 at the time. In 1994, he married psychologist Assiria Lemos Seixas and had two more children. The couple divorced in 2008. Finally, at the age of 73, Pele married Marcia Aoki in 2016 after several years of dating. Throughout his life, Pele faced controversy and legal battles, including allegations of corruption and false endorsements.
Net Worth Over Time
Pele’s net worth skyrocketed during his peak in the mid-1970s when he was the highest-paid athlete globally, earning the inflation-adjusted equivalent of $10 million per year from salary and endorsements. While his playing career ended, Pele continued to accrue significant wealth through endorsements, most notably with Puma. At the time of his death in 2022, Pele’s net worth stood at an impressive $100 million.
Components of Net Worth
Pele’s net worth was predominantly derived from his illustrious football career. As the highest-paid athlete of his time, his salary and endorsement deals played a substantial role in accumulating his wealth. Additionally, Pele earned significant income through his ambassadorial work, sponsorship agreements, and appearances. Although his net worth thrived from his financial endeavors, Pele’s true greatness lies in his unparalleled contributions to the sport and his enduring legacy as a football icon.
In conclusion, Pele’s net worth of $100 million reflects the tremendous impact he made on and off the field. His exceptional football skills, captivating personality, and relentless determination propelled him to the pinnacle of success, earning him fame, fortune, and the undying admiration of fans worldwide.