Edson Arantes do Nascimento, universally known as Pelé (1940–2022), was a Brazilian football player widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in history and the sport’s first global icon.

Raised in poverty in Bauru, São Paulo, Pelé developed a passion for the game from his father, João Ramos do Nascimento, and displayed exceptional talent for it early. His nickname Pelé reportedly originated in his childhood and had no known meaning in Portuguese. Pelé attracted the attention of former Brazil international footballer Waldemar de Brito, who arranged a tryout with Santos Football Club in 1956. Pelé joined the club at just 15 years old and quickly emerged as a star. Under his leadership, Santos won numerous championships and embarked on highly anticipated international tours that captivated fans worldwide. On November 19, 1969, Pelé scored his milestone 1,000th goal in his 909th first-class match. He eventually left Santos in 1974.

In 1975, Pelé signed with the New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League, a move that dramatically popularized soccer in the United States. He retired in 1977 after leading the Cosmos to a league championship. Beyond his unmatched on-field success, Pelé transformed football into a global phenomenon and became a revered cultural ambassador, earning honors such as the International Peace Award in 1978. In his later years, he authored best-selling autobiographies and appeared in several films and documentaries. In 2014, the Pelé Museum opened in Santos, Brazil, to honor his enduring legacy. Pelé passed away on December 29, 2022, in São Paulo at the age of 82.

In June 2026, elected officials unveiled “Pelé Way” on Shea Road in Corona, Queens, ahead of the World Cup. The street co-naming ceremony honors the Brazilian soccer legend’s global impact and celebrates his time with the New York Cosmos in the 1970s, which introduced soccer to a generation of New Yorkers. The commemorative designation will remain in place until November 2026.