Guernsey Press

Pele at 80: The Brazilian’s life and career in pictures

The former striker was born Edson Arantes do Nascimento.

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Football great Pele celebrates his 80th birthday on October 23.

As Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, the former striker is one of sport’s most revered figures.

Here, the PA news agency looks at his remarkable career in pictures.

Pele on his arrival at London Airport from West Germany. He travelled with the Brazilian team for a friendly match against England at Wembley Stadium
Pele on his arrival at London Airport from West Germany. He travelled with the Brazilian team for a friendly match against England at Wembley Stadium (PA)
Pele (centre) during a club friendly game in which Brazilian club Santos beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 at Hillsborough
Pele (centre) during a club friendly game in which Brazilian club Santos beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 at Hillsborough (PA)
The Brazil team that faced Scotland at Hampden Park in Glasgow, pictured at Troon where they trained at the Troon Juniors ground
The Brazil team that faced Scotland at Hampden Park in Glasgow, pictured at Troon where they trained at the Troon Juniors ground (PA)
Pele, whose real name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento
Pele, whose real name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento (PA)
A line up of the 1970 Brazil team: Standing left to right: Carlos, Alberto, Leao, Brito, Fontana, Piazza, Marcos and Antonio. Below : Jairzinho, Direfu, Lopez, Pele, Gerson and Edu
A line up of the 1970 Brazil team: Standing left to right: Carlos, Alberto, Leao, Brito, Fontana, Piazza, Marcos and Antonio. Below : Jairzinho, Direfu, Lopez, Pele, Gerson and Edu (PA)
Pele (on floor) receives treatment from trainer Americo (kneeling) as referee Kurt Tschenscher (second left) warns Bulgaria’s Dimitar Yakimov (13) and Dobromir Jetchev (6) (PA)
Pele (on floor) receives treatment from trainer Americo (kneeling) as referee Kurt Tschenscher (second left) warns Bulgaria’s Dimitar Yakimov (13) and Dobromir Jetchev (6) (PA)
Pele during the 1966 World Cup in England
Pele during the 1966 World Cup in England (PA)
Fulham goalkeeper Peter Mellor dives at the feet  of Pele to smother the ball
Fulham goalkeeper Peter Mellor dives at the feet of Pele to smother the ball (PA)
Pele representing Santos
Pele representing Santos (PA)
Brazil team group: (back row, l-r) Orlando, Manga, Brito, Denilson, Rildo, Fidelis; (front row, l-r) trainer Americo, Jairzinho, Lima, Silva, Pele, Parana
Brazil team group: (back row, l-r) Orlando, Manga, Brito, Denilson, Rildo, Fidelis; (front row, l-r) trainer Americo, Jairzinho, Lima, Silva, Pele, Parana (PA)
Pele retired from international football in 1971
Pele retired from international football in 1971 (PA)
Pele stopped playing for Santos in 1974
Pele stopped playing for Santos in 1974 (PA)
England goalkeeper Gordon Banks (left), Brazil’s Pele (centre) and France and Arsenal striker Thierry Henry
England goalkeeper Gordon Banks (left), Brazil’s Pele (centre) and France and Arsenal striker Thierry Henry (Stefan Rousseau/PA)
Olympic Gold medal rower Katherine Grainger, a graduate of Edinburgh University, stands with former footballer Pele, who was presented with an honorary degree by the university
Olympic Gold medal rower Katherine Grainger, a graduate of Edinburgh University, stands with former footballer Pele, who was presented with an honorary degree by the university (Sean Dempsey/PA)
Pele with his Inspiration award during the GQ Men of the Year Awards 2017
Pele with his Inspiration award during the GQ Men of the Year Awards 2017 (Ian West/PA)
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